FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ERASE RACISM CALLS ON GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AT ALL LEVELS TO ADDRESS RACIAL DISPARITIES IN THE IMPACT OF COVID-19, AS IT CONTINUES TO SPREAD NATIONWIDE

Syosset, NY – November 23, 2020 – ERASE Racism President Elaine Gross issued today the statement below calling on government officials at all levels – federal, state, and local – to address racial disparities in the impact of COVID-19, as it continues to spread aggressively nationwide. Her call comes in the wake of a new analysis by The Washington Post titled: "'I just pray God will help me': Racial, ethnic minorities reel from higher covid-19 death rates."

Following is the statement by Elaine Gross:

The Washington Post published on Friday evening a new analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on people of color. It reports: "Nearly nine months after the virus exploded in the United States, and amid big treatment strides, the disease continues to ravage African American and other minority communities with a particular vengeance. Black, Asian, Native American and Hispanic patients still die far more frequently than White patients, even as death rates have plummeted for all races and age groups, according to a Washington Post analysis of records from 5.8 million people who tested positive for the virus from early March through mid-October. .... Black Americans were 37 percent more likely to die than Whites, after controlling for age, sex and mortality rates over time. Asians were 53 percent more likely to die; Native Americans and Alaskan Natives, 26 percent more likely to die; Hispanics, 16 percent more likely to die. Those higher case fatality rates for diagnosed people of color are on top of the increased infection rates for those unable to isolate at home because they are essential workers."

As COVID-19 continues to spread aggressively nationwide, it is crucial that government officials at all levels – federal, state, and local – address the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on people of color. Immediate attention should be paid to issues such as the availability of testing facilities in communities of color, access to healthcare, inequitable treatment once access is provided, and priorities for providing vaccines once they are available. The evidence is clear. Government owes it to all Americans to ensure fair and equal access to health care, regardless of race, in this pandemic – and always.

Click here to download a PDF of the Press Release.