I think what is clear is that China, the initial epicenter, exported far fewer cases than Europe. This can be seen by examining countries around China and far m

I think what is clear is that China, the initial epicenter, exported far fewer cases than Europe. This can be seen by examining countries around China and far more integrated with China and overseas Chinese communities. Really this is a disease mainly spread by close contact. So the dominant spreaders are those with high community contact. I remember the feeling of OMG when seeing the announcement of all the high flying jetsetting group getting hit in March. I am on the west coast, yet our cases didn't start going exponential until after Europe exploded. Yes Seattle and Bay Area were likely seeded from China. But it started with low count, and coupled with our sprawl and high percentage of Asians who were attuned to the seriousness of the outbreak in China, it was a simmering outbreak. The east coast otoh got a major frontal assault from Europe.