I don't live in a rural area, but have friends who do. They all seem to have informal social networks spread through the area, family, relatives, friends - with

I don't live in a rural area, but have friends who do. They all seem to have informal social networks spread through the area, family, relatives, friends - with whom they regularly meet and exchange information or goods. Any business transaction or social activity at local events, churches, banks, schools, grocery stores - are all potential infection vectors. Combine that with much lower and slower access to healthcare - meaning, a low threshold for overwhelming the system - makes rural areas as risky as urban centers. Well, less risky due to population density, but enough to warrant a social distancing policy (in my non-expert opinion).