Here are 3 things to be mindful of when comparing different states (or countries), esp when thinking about different reopening decisions.

1) There& #39;s a *long* lag between actions and their effects. Today& #39;s numbers are not due to yesterday& #39;s decisions. https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/05/patchwork-pandemic-states-reopening-inequalities/611866/">https://www.theatlantic.com/health/ar...

2) No single factor explains big geographical differences. Many factors are at work, including...

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/05/patchwork-pandemic-states-reopening-inequalities/611866/">https://www.theatlantic.com/health/ar...

3) Bad luck. Which become especially important when cases are low.

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/05/patchwork-pandemic-states-reopening-inequalities/611866/">https://www.theatlantic.com/health/ar...

Bottom line: It& #39;s going to be very easy to jump to the wrong conclusions. Hopefully this piece can offer a guide to making sense of the patchwork. https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/05/patchwork-pandemic-states-reopening-inequalities/611866/">https://www.theatlantic.com/health/ar...

Also do read this piece by my wonderful colleague @amandamull which delves into the first point--the long data lag. https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/05/is-reopening-safe-after-covid-19-we-wont-know-for-weeks/611743/">https://www.theatlantic.com/health/ar...