Thread by @edyong209, Here are 3 things to be mindful of when comparing different states [...]

Ed Yong

edyong209

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

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

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/

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/

Bottom line: It'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/

America's Patchwork Pandemic Is Fraying Even Further

The coronavirus is coursing through different parts of the U.S. in different ways, making the crisis harder to predict, control, or understand.

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

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/

The Horror of the Coronavirus Data Lag

Some reopening states are already claiming victory over the coronavirus. But the real consequences won’t be clear for weeks.

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/05/is-reopening-safe-after-covid-19-we-wont-know-for-weeks/611743/

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