Yes, it does seem clear (at least to me) that the case fatality rates are higher in at least some areas hard hit, but not overwhelmed. NYC may be a good example. But I wonder if anyone has actually put together a study, or examined cases where it can be determined that the initial infections were at a high level.
This worries me a bit because as things “open up” I would expect accumulated viral loads to pick up too, in areas / places previously low. OTOH, we CAN’T go on with this level of economic destruction.
BTW, I know that initial IMHE model gets heavy criticism, but, as time goes by, it’s original estimate of deaths with mitigation is looking better and better. :-(
There are other problems in NYC. That thread from a hospital nurse tells part of the story. We’ll get to the reasons why at a later point, I suppose.