Wow! Crazy! Except... NY, NJ, IL, MI, PA... in the cold? With heater usage? Maybe, just maybe, it has something to do with where those things are used... indoors!
Kinda random thought about this theory and second waves...
We talk about how pandemics have historically experienced first waves in the beginning of the year (winter, early spring), died down during late spring through early fall, and then come back with a bigger second wave in late fall and winter. IINM, all previous pandemics occur before the advent (or at least widespread use) of air conditioning. Meaning that from when the weather warmed up, people were either outside or had their windows open to maximize airflow. Once the cold came back, they went back indoors and the spread spiked. What we're seeing in the US, particularly in the south, is the air conditioning effect.
No sources, just random thoughts inside my head.