Originally Posted by James Lacey
Texas has gone from a low of approximately 3,000 new cases per day to approximately 6,000 new cases per day in a little less than one month. Our high was 10,000 new cases per day in late July, and our shut-down began in mid-March. At the current rate, it looks like we might shut-down again in about a month. I sincerely hope this is not the case, and my feeling is that as long as the health-care system is not being crashed, we must stay as open as possible.
James, Rod:
There are a lot of factors at play with the current peak, and the onset of cold weather may be a big one? If we
just look at the peak, red state Texas is now clipping along with an infection rate of about 50% of the summer/spring peak, maybe a bit less. Blue state California is rolling along at about 45% of their earlier peak too. Same with red Georgia. Heck, look at red state Louisiana, where, according to Darian, our "reporter on the scene," virtually no one wears masks. But their current peak is no worse than CA, as a percentage of previous peaks, maybe better.
But in blue state Colorado, we are currently at 200 or 300% of our peak summer infection rates. Yes, some schools are open, but everyone is wearing masks in the stores, in the restaurants, and social distancing is very much a thing. Blue Colorado doesn't look so bad when we adjust for population though. Although that too is changing. I have to admit that when one looks at the overall numbers more of a red state/blue state differential seems to be supported than I gave Rod credit for earlier. My apologies.
I am convinced that, "as long as the health-care system is not being crashed, we must stay as open as possible." This is where Russ shows up and accuses me of being a heartless bastard! I suppose he has a point.
Jim
