For decades, minorities have discriminated against accessing healthcare because of their race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, etc., and in most situations, their outward appearance determines whether or not they will have equal opportunities to health care. The coronavirus amplified and revealed the racial disparity across the United States. With the coronavirus still prominent in our society, it is crucial that we recognize the disproportionate burden of death and illness in these racial communities.
Racial disparity within the Black community presents itself with the knowledge that there are inequalities when it comes to their socio-economic status, living conditions, access to health care, and other situations that have stemmed from systematic racism.
Many Black families may have to live in close quarters in urban areas that were predetermined by redlining that began in 1934 with the National Housing Act. These urban neighborhoods do not have access to grocery stores where they can stockpile their resources or health care institutions to take care of themselves and others.
When the unemployment rate was at its peak, Black Americans did not receive a paid leave - furthering decreases a fair chance for them to combat the virus. At the same time, many Black Americans were essential workers that must attend work at the site - not the luxury of their homes, which also adds stress to their mental and physical health. Traveling to work, most Black Americans had to ride on public transportation, which is a place where any sickness brews.
As a result of high pollution levels, in those areas, approximately 70% of Black Americans live in an area that compromises their health. This makes their lungs work harder, and making matters worse, some Black Americans do not have health insurance because of the cost.
Social distancing is an underappreciated privilege that Black Americans and other minorities are not able to practice, and when in some of the heavily populated areas, high-quality internet and resources are not always available to them.
To understand the situation in terms of data, here are a couple of figures to gauge the disparity:
1 in 1,625 Black Americans has died (or 61.6 deaths per 100,000)
1 in 3,800 White Americans has died (or 26.2 deaths per 100,000)
Nationwide, Black Americans represent 12.4% of the population, but they have suffered 24.3% of KNOWN COVID-19 deaths. White Americans represent 62.2% of the U.S. population, but they have suffered 51.7% of known COVID-19 deaths.
Highlighting some states in the North Atlantic Area:
Pennsylvania New York New Jersey
Public Health Official's Response
COVID-19 has not gone away just yet, but millions across the nation value social injustice as a greater issue that needs to be battled. In today’s age, many public health officials including the World Health Organization fully support the protests against racism and police brutality. They said that above all, they “reject racism of all kinds”.
Countries across the world are racing to create and test vaccines, but in the meantime, there are ways to protest and stay healthy. As close as people are coming into contact at protests and rallies, public health officials cannot see the impact until a two weeks time due to the incubation period that COVID-19 sits in. To keep caution, officials say to:
Keep as much of a distance as you can
Wear a mask in public
Don’t touch your face
Wash your hands once you’re home
Stay home if you feel sick
For more information on staying safe, check out his PDF:
By Riya Sembhi (Insta: @riyakaursembhi)
Statistics and Research:
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