Virus data: US not bad compared to others

As we continue to be bombarded with scathing criticism of President Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 response, we would do well to remember how Gov. Inslee says he makes his decisions – by looking at the science and data.

Trump has stated that the US has done more tests than any other country in the world. That is a true statement. As of this writing, the US had done approximately 10.3 million tests, with Russia following with almost 6 million tests – almost twice that of Germany.

Another statistic to look at is deaths per 1 million in population. The number for the US was recently 257, among the better numbers compared to EU countries. (Source for these data: worldometer.info.)

These data are not indicators of a failed response, but rather, one that is working due to the extraordinary efforts of those on the front line treating the victims of COVID-19 and the federal, state and local officials working to minimize its spread.

It is quite easy to backseat drive with 20/20 hindsight, but to have credibility one cannot leave out the science and data.

This story was originally published May 13, 2020 at 1:10 PM with the headline "Virus data: US not bad compared to others."