Studies: Why COVID-19 Impacts Minorities Disproportionately

image
Published: 11 Sep, 2020
1 min read

In an August 2020 report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, data shows that people of color were more likely to be impacted by the coronavirus. In fact, cases increased among the Black or African American and non-Hispanic community by 2.6. The same group were also 4.7 times more likely to be hospitalized. 

Camara Phyllis Jones, an epidemiologist, told The Harvard Gazette that structural disparities play a role in how the coronavirus affects communities. 

“It’s segregation in terms of access to healthy foods, and to green space, and excess exposure to environmental hazards, which is why we have things like more obesity leading to more diabetes and more heart disease and more kidney failure,” Jones told the Gazette. 

A group of Stanford University researchers, who studied how different regions implemented lockdowns, found that cities with higher density populations and in communities where people live closely together were more likely to spread the virus. Higher cases and denser populations also resulted in stricter lockdown rules, which may result in loss of income for anyone unable to work. 

Here are some stories worth checking out:

Coronavirus Shutdowns Are Hitting Vietnamese-Owned Nail Salons Hard

County of San Diego's Discriminatory COVID-19 Practices Are Hurting Latinos

The Heart of San Diego: How The Asian Economy Keeps Beating

Racial Disparities in COVID-19: Key Findings from Available Data and Analysis

In the age of COVID-19, aging while Black is more dangerous than ever

IVP Donate

5 things COVID-19 has taught us about inequality

You Might Also Like

Caution tape with US Capitol building in the background.
Did the Republicans or Democrats Start the Gerrymandering Fight?
The 2026 midterm election cycle is quickly approaching. However, there is a lingering question mark over what congressional maps will look like when voters start to cast their ballots, especially as Republicans and Democrats fight to obtain any electoral advantage possible. ...
11 Nov, 2025
-
8 min read
Utah state capitol.
Utah Judge Delivers a Major Blow to Gerrymandering
A Utah state judge has struck down the congressional map drawn by Republican lawmakers, ruling that it violates the state’s voter-approved ban on partisan gerrymandering and ordering new district lines for the 2026 elections....
11 Nov, 2025
-
2 min read
bucking party on gerrymandering
5 Politicians Bucking Their Party on Gerrymandering
Across the country, both parties are weighing whether to redraw congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Texas, California, Missouri, North Carolina, Utah, Indiana, Colorado, Illinois, and Virginia are all in various stages of the action. Here are five politicians who have declined to support redistricting efforts promoted by their own parties....
31 Oct, 2025
-
4 min read