Virginia has among the lowest cases, deaths per capita in U.S. since start of pandemic. Restrictions could be a factor – By Sabrina Moreno (Richmond Times-Dispatch) / Feb 17 2021
Nearly a year into the pandemic, Virginia has sustained among the lowest numbers of cases and deaths in the U.S. when adjusted for population. The few states outperforming its numbers, with the exception of Michigan, have fewer residents.
COVID-19 restrictions could be a factor, according to national data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nine out of the 10 states that have avoided major spikes require masks and have targeted public health measures.
In a CDC study that tracked the growth of cases and hospitalizations from March to October, states with mask mandates found a 5.5% drop in spread.
“After implementation of directives from organizational or political leadership for universal masking, new infections decreased significantly,” said the report, published Feb. 5.
