We’re all in this together? Covid19 vs. Black America

The breakdown: How the Cornona virus is impacting Black America in different parts of the globe.

Covid 19...The Rona...

Image Source: Raleigh News & Observer

No matter what you call it, we can be sure that you’ve heard of it.

This global pandemic has engulfed our lives with constant news streams, conspiracy theories on where the virus originated, and trying to find the best solutions to avoid further contamination. 

The disproportionate number of black deaths that have surged over this pandemics invasion have been alarming. With death tolls rising, leaves many confused as to why it is deeply impacting black communities.
According to a report from Reuters, Black Americans are more likely to die of the Corona virus than any other group in the U.S.

But why?

Unequal Health Care
With unequal access to healthcare a pandemic such as this only magnifies the disparities in healthcare that communities of color are left to endure. Less access to health insurance, paid sick leave, and health care result in the improper treatment for ailments that could make contracting covid-19 a higher risk.  

Since some Black Americans are known to suffer from underlying health conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, obesity and asthma leaves experts to believe puts those more susceptible to contracting the virus.

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Finances
​Along with good healthcare, finances come into question since typically jobs are the ones to offer healthcare benefits. With a large portion of Black Americans holding hourly or lower-wage jobs, doesn’t allow for time off or the capabilities to work from home. Many times being deemed as an ‘essential worker’ leaves very little space to self quarantine when a job involves interacting with the public with minimal to no protection. 

According to BBCnews, store employee Clarionta Jones stated that her managers have told staff they cannot wear gloves and masks when interacting with customers. These low-income areas are automatically deemed as expendable and left with no choice when it comes to their health or the health of their families. 

“If I'm sick I'm just going to take something for it and go to work. I don't want to miss my check, I have two kids. This is not a choice" stated Jones.

Trying to work while sick especially with this virus not only puts themselves in more harm's way, but contributes to further spread of the disease within the community. 

Mask On/Off
​One would think that we are in fact ‘all in this together’ protecting ourselves and those around us by wearing facial coverings...but this false narrative rears itself when it comes to one group in particular...

What black people must endure even in the hours of a global pandemic is disgraceful just to be deemed as 'nonthreatening'. Democratic lawmakers are now in talks with law enforcement to implement anti-bias police training over the usage of face masks or other face covering towards people of color during the coronavirus pandemic.

The China Backlash
​In another case of shifting the blame, Black people yet again take the fall. Black residents are facing eviction and denied entry into Chinese establishments out of ‘fear’ of the black community being a carrier of the virus.
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From being denied entry into hospitals

Fast food chains (via twitter)

Citizens being evicted from housing out of speculation that the black community will set off a second wave of the covid-19. ​

Image Source: CNN

Image Source: LA Times

​Now as certain establishments slowly reopen within Texas and Atlanta, one can’t help but question why the states with large percentages of black residents are so ready and willing to open. These elected officials feel saving ‘the economy’ in exchange for more black lives is a fair trade.

Stay safe, stay home and protect yourselves in a society that was not meant to protect and serve all.