The coronavirus pandemic has a greater impact on Black and Brown communities. Here’s why Black, Indigenous and People of Color need to take greater precautions.
COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, has created pandemonium globally. All fifty states have reported cases of COVID-19. According to CNN, the United States has 4% of the world’s population but 25% of the world’s Coronavirus cases. As of this writing, positive cases are on the decline in many states and on the rise in others. In an attempt to counter the negative economic impact of the pandemic, many regions, including the District of Columbia, are attempting to “re-open.” This unfortunately contributes to the idea that the pandemic is not serious. Many continue to believe that the virus is man-made.
An analysis of public genome sequence data from SARS-COV-2 found no evidence it was created in a lab. Having monitored the transmission of infections, scientists believe this variation of the coronavirus originated in bats and jumped to humans. There are literally millions of viruses, so it’s inevitable that some will mutate and jump from animals to humans. This problem is likely to get worse as humans continue to move into habitats formerly dominated by animals. And when it happens, it’s usually a bad thing because the human body doesn’t know how to deal with a novel or new viruses.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause mild to severe illnesses. There are hundreds of coronaviruses with 7 main variations that affect humans. So far, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-2 otherwise known as COVID-19 have proven to be the most deadly to humans. COVID-19 is particularly problematic because it has a long incubation period, during which carriers may be unknowingly spreading the virus. It’s also difficult to contain because unlike viruses like HIV which is relatively difficult to contract, COVID-19 is highly contagious.
According to WebMD, the virus is spread when someone is exposed to respiratory droplets that are transmitted through the air as an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. While it’s more common to become infected after being within six feet of an infected person, you can also come in contact with the disease by touching a surface that’s hosting coronavirus. If the viral particles from these droplets make their way to your mouth, nose, or even your eyes, the virus can attach to ACE2 receptors (a protein molecule on the surface of a cell with the ability to bind with another molecule) in the mucous membranes of your throat and infect the body.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms can appear as few as two days after exposure or as long as 14 days. People of any age who have severe underlying medical conditions along with older people are the most at risk. Those who don’t believe the virus is serious, are less likely to take the precautions necessary to protect themselves or limit the spread of the disease. This unfortunately puts everyone at risk but especially Black and Brown people.
Systemic and institutional racism makes it very difficult for Black to acquire and accumulate wealth. As a result, the net worth of a typical white family is nearly ten times greater than that of a typical Black family. The stress associated with financial insecurity, difficulty accessing healthy food, or the time for adequate exercise is all factors that contribute to higher rates of diabetes, obesity, asthma and cardiovascular disease in low-income Black communities. All of these underlying conditions worsen COVID-19 outcomes. It’s not surprising that Blacks make up less than half of D.C.’s population but approximately 80 percent of Coronavirus deaths.
Proximity is another factor contributing to high rates of infection. Densely populated areas like Columbia Heights, where front line workers in the Latinx community also often live in multigenerational households, helps to explain high rates of infection in Ward 4.
Although infection rates are highest in Ward 4, deaths are highest in Wards 7 & 8. With the United Medical Center being the only hospital east of the Anacostia River, residents there simply have fewer healthcare options. On top of that, stories of bias in healthcare treatment against Blacks and Latinx are common, even after the onset of the pandemic. Healthcare providers misinterpret, downplay, or ignore symptoms in Black and Brown patients. They are also more likely to be turned away from medical facilities and refused tests. All of this can lead to fatal results.
For this reason, it is absolutely crucial that DC’s Black and Brown communities continue to follow CDC recommendations. Face masks are essential. A sneeze or cough sprays mucus, saliva, and viruses that can remain active for up to an hour. Traveling 50-100 mph and spraying 3,000 to 100,000 droplets in one go, is an efficient way to spread a virus. Even with a mask, it’s important to keep at least 6 feet away from anyone when you’re out in public. This is especially important if you’re indoors where aerosolized droplets of the virus can remain active for more than three hours.
Being concerned about the economy, Mayor Bowser seems intent on reopening the city. As the city reopens and more demand is made for retail workers, delivery personnel and front-line health care workers many within DC’s African-American and Latinx communities will accept the additional risk. Even though the mainstream press has moved COVID-19 infections and deaths out of the headlines, the virus is still out there. Do what you can to provide for yourself and your family but please take as many precautions as you possibly can.
