That looks more like a reporting anomaly than actual spread. Maybe the state instituted new reporting guidelines, and the case reporting for previous periods all kicked in at once.
Maybe differences in reporting is part of it, but if you look at charts of covid rates for those states around that time it looks like Michigan really did have a significant spike during that period that wasn’t matched by the adjacent states. And the shape of that spike isn’t something like a one-time offset you might expect from a sudden release of backlogged data.
That spike does look a little too regular, though. I wouldn’t expect it to be a one-time release, either, as understaffed county health departments would respond to changes more slowly that we’ll-funded ones.
from april:
Michigan has become the newest coronavirus epicenter in the United States but it’s a mystery why.
i did a quick skim of a couple of articles and the only theories seemed to be: easing restrictions, lower numbers earlier so faster spread was possible later, and the b117 variant
Who is the new surge affecting? The new wave of infections is primarily hitting younger people. Youth sports, in-person classes and social gatherings are driving the case increase among younger people, health officials have said.
When the 7-day average peaked on April 7, Michigan was reported about 4,000-5,000 diagnostic tests per day, and the positive test rate was near 35%
^ yikes
Jason Kenney’s Alberta continues to be Canada’s hotspot.
And I was one angry Michigander.
Rural Indiana here, so…
That could definitely be part of it. Although people still don’t wear masks here in most circumstances, the sorts of shaming I was experiencing a year ago has dropped off significantly. As you say: they can’t blame the ‘enemy’ for forcing them if the entire government (except in certain local positions) is Republican.
But also, I will give brownie points to Indiana for taking vaccination seriously: sites were set up quickly, efficiently, and were easy to get an appointment. They even dropped any requirement to show proof of residency.
Still, we’re at only 54% vaccinated, so that tells you it’s not all rosy here.
Indiana was also slightly behind Michigan at the time of the Michigan spike. On April 16 Michigan was 24.8% fully vaccinated, and Indiana was at 22.0%.
I’m semi rural, about 40 miles north of Detroit on the Canadian border. Interesting thing is my daughter and husband live in Royal Oak, a hip trendy city a few miles from downtown Detroit, from the beginning their city took it very seriously immediately helping businesses reopen according to guidelines, they closed off streets in front of restaurants so they could have more outdoor seating going lax on outdoor seating ordinances etc… When they would go for a walk almost everyone out walking, running, biking was wearing a mask because you were always coming in close contact with others. They’ve been doing local carry out this whole time because the restaurants followed all the rules and they were comfortable picking up or having delivered.
In my county, not so much. There were ex president boat parades and rallies. Harassing people that chose to wear a mask, some of my neighbors called me “one of those” for social distancing while still being neighborly.
It was a real stark contrast on display just 30 - 40 miles apart. Red vs. blue mentality. Very interesting and very sad.
This is where the demonizing of science and spread of misinformation leads. 
I feel sad for the rest of this family having to deal with such a tragedy.
I truly expect more stories like thus to surface. It’s the logical conclusion of the craziness.
You know, “Dumbass Island” would be a pretty funny tv show
I understand one Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson already registered the copyright for that.
