COVID-19 Is Infecting and
Killing Black Americans at
Alarming Rates in Some States New data from a number of
big cities and states is shedding
light on current inequalities in health care. In Illinois, North and South Carolina,
Connecticut, Las Vegas and Minnesota,
black Americans have been infected
disproportionately to their population percentage. The number of deaths among
African Americans due to COVID-19
has been described as devastating. While the information is preliminary,
it is alarming and significant enough that
some lawmakers have declared the crisis a
"call-to-action moment for all of us." Lori Lightfoot, Chicago Mayor, via 'NYT' Health experts say the reasons
have to do with systemic inequalities related
in part to the percentage of black Americans
who cannot work from home. Existing health conditions,
the necessity of public transit and lack of
insurance are also likely contributors. Initial data also points to
doctors being less likely to refer
black Americans for testing. Dr. Mandy Cohen, NC, via 'The New York Times'