Ally Action Project Week 24: Covid-19 Racial Disparity

Earlier in the year, we looked into how covid-19 impacted minority races more due to inequalities in healthcare and essential jobs. We are reflecting this week on following up to the tracking of the racial disparity revealed that, as of Fall 2020, covid-19 rates for minority groups are higher than whites. Hispanic groups have a 4.6x higher rate, Blacks have a 4.7x higher rate, and Native Americans have a 5.3x higher covid-19 rate than whites.

The tracking of the covid-19 transmission and mortality rates are likely being underreported due to the CDC and states failing to keep records of race for minorities who have been infected, hospitalized, and died from covid-19. The CDC and states’ covid-19 data on race have major gaps. 29 states have not broken down cases by race. Of the 21 states that do provide race, ~50% of cases and deaths list race as missing. For example, Texas funded what would be a helpful covid-19 agency in 2010, the Office of Minority Health Statistics and Engagement to track racial disparity in healthcare and state services, but the legislature cut funding in 2018 and closed the offices.

We can all make sure to help stop the spread of covid-19 by staying home, wearing a mask, and not engaging in group settings.