⚠️ I've been running this chart for a few weeks now, noting that cases per capita in the red states have recently exceeded those in the blue states.
A few folks have asked whether this might be due to red states testing at a higher rate, which is a reasonably question. 1/
A few folks have asked whether this might be due to red states testing at a higher rate, which is a reasonably question. 1/
However, that's not the case. At all.
In fact, it turns out the blue states (Clinton states minus the "swing states" listed on the graph) have run over 30% MORE tests per capita than the red states to date. 2/
In fact, it turns out the blue states (Clinton states minus the "swing states" listed on the graph) have run over 30% MORE tests per capita than the red states to date. 2/
Put another way: Red states have run 24% fewer tests per capita but have 7% *more* cases per capita.
Note: This isn't a perfect comparison since some states report the total number of *tests* performed while others report the number of individual *people* tested; I haven't looked into whether those are weighted more towards the red or blue state populations. But still, 👀
