Coronavirus hits hardest in communities of color across North Carolina :: WRAL.com
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Durham, North Carolina – Nearly 7,300 new coronavirus infections are reported per day in North Carolina, a 40% increase from a month ago. But the cases hit some groups harder than others.
According to data from the state’s Department of Health and Human Services, black and Latino residents are disproportionately affected by the virus.
Latino residents, for example, experienced 15,586 cases per capita, 82% more than the 8,553 per capita cases among white residents, according to DHHS data. The per capita cases among black and Native American residents are 11% and 10% higher than the rate for whites, respectively.
“I think it’s a combination of multigenerational households [and] lack of access to healthcare before the pandemic, â€said Donald Hughes, coordinator of the We Are Ready for Life program, a non-profit organization in Durham focused on improving quality of life and improving economic opportunities in underserved communities.
“[It’s] created a situation where there are a lot of pre-existing conditions that are exacerbated by COVID-19, which has ultimately led to worse health outcomes for black and brown communities, â€said Hughes.
Breaking down misinformation about the virus and available vaccines is crucial to ensure that disparities do not exist in communities of color, he said.
When it comes to virus-related deaths, the data shows similar racial disparities.
Blacks make up 23% of North Carolina’s population but account for 25% of deaths. Meanwhile, whites make up 72% of the population but only make up 66% of deaths.
“One of the most difficult parts of the job when we try to get people vaccinated is hearing the stories of loved ones who have been affected or have contracted COVID-19 and who are showing long-term symptoms or stories of them. family members who unfortunately did not survive, â€said Hughes.
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