Why so little correlation with regard to outcomes or cases when behavior is so different.
State to state there are both different rules and different behaviors.... my data points below in NE, MW and South.
I am in NJ and we have been pretty well locked down for a year. Masks on (and the great majority comply) , restaurants limited or closed, schools limited or closed etc. college aged kids remote - my son is at Princeton and is back to school but all remote classes and heavily restricted, frequently tested and no social life. Covid fatality rate here is quite high.
Family in KY, not nearly as restricted, but not open either. Masks yes, but not full compliance and not worrying much about engaging with neighbors, friends etc. Schools more open than NJ and kids appear to have more freedom with sports etc. soccer season was played for example Nephews at Kentucky and Auburn pretty much open... Covid fatality rate bottom ten.
TX, headed to nieces weeding... most open of the bunch... middle of the road with regard to fatalities.
And current case counts provide the same question. NJ last seven day case count is the highest of the three (at almost 2x) and we are still the most restrictive.
And no, I am not saying that masks don't help or that there is some kind of conspiracy, but someone help me with hypothesis on why this could be the case.