1. Older population relative to other states,
2. Overweight (high levels of obesity!) relative to other states,
3. More people with blood pressure problems relative to other states,
4. More diabetics relative to other states,
5. Heart problems relative to other states,
6. Population still has a relatively high number of smokers.
7. Higher levels of respiratory problems (e.g., black lung) relative to other states.
In short the population has higher levels of the health issues that make a COVID infection much worth. Of course the media doesn't mention that, they have to keep the "Bubonic Plague Meme" going.
worth = worse !
Sure wish you could go back and edit !