It’s not a novel observation that national news sources often fly over Midwest states and focus on the USA’s east and west coasts. So it’s not surprising to see that national media’s Covid coverage has been dominated by events in New York, California and Florida. The terrible numbers in Texas have elbowed their way into daily reports as well, and deserve this attention.
What happens in these four states matters to the rest of the nation, of course; but I can’t help but think that a person in Michigan should be even more concerned about what’s happening in “The Great Lakes State” and its Midwest neighbors.
It’s not pretty.
Since mid-June, new Covid cases in Michigan have increased more than 250%. New cases in neighboring Ohio also have increased more than 250%, and Wisconsin has seen a new case increase of just under 250% during the same period. Indiana’s new cases have increased more than 150%; in Illinois just over 100%; and in Minnesota just under 100% since mid-June.
In no Midwest state is the virus under control.
Testing has increased in these states, but the percentage of positive tests remains stubborn: from a low of 3% in Michigan and Illinois to a high of 8% in Indiana. Some say that 3% is an acceptable rate, and that it’s OK to open up public and commercial venues. But I wonder: if you were having surgery to eradicate cancer and the doctor tells you that all but 3% of the cancerous cells were removed, would you be satisfied that the deadly disease was under control?
I think not.
Until the positive rate for Covid tests is less than 1% and a vaccine is readily available for first responders and at least the more vulnerable populations in this nation and around the world, we remain at war against a deadly adversary; and we should continue to use all means to defeat the virus. A prestigious group of more than 150 medical experts, scientists, nurses and teachers announced July 23rd that anything less than a prompt and total lockdown prolongs sickness, death and the long-term damage to America’s social and commercial structures.
Based on the evidence so far, the efforts of the Midwest states have proven to be both too little and too late. . . like our national efforts.
JER
ALL OVER THE MAP 