DCARA has the latest news to share with the community. Watch our video below.

[Video description: A black woman wearing a patterned black and white jacket, and white top standing next to a flower bush.]

[VIDEO TRANSCRIPT]

Latest news on the death rates from the Coronavirus show that the African American (Black) community and Latino (Brown) community are unproportionately dying from COVID19.

Factors that contribute to this include decades of inequality and institutional racism affecting communities of color that create significant racial disparities in the numbers contracting the virus and in deaths. Social distancing and access to healthcare is a “privilege” for those who can afford it. Mostly black and brown patients end up in hospitals and doctors’ offices, who are essential workers and service workers who can’t afford to stay home. These are the majority of who show up at clinics/hospitals with COVID-19 symptoms.

Here are three important facts:

#1 Fact: Coronavirus or COVID-19 can make anyone sick, regardless of their race or ethnicity. Anyone can get affected! Black and brown people do not have increased protection against coronavirus nor do they have increased vulnerability to the virus.

#2 Fact: Medical experts say that COVID-19 is more lethal for anyone who has been diagnosed with chronic diseases such as asthma, hypertension and diabetes — “underlying conditions”

#3 Fact: black and brown people are more likely to be exposed because many have low-wage or essential jobs, such as food service, garbage services, janitorial services, public transit and health care, which require them to continue to interact with the public and/or touch many surfaces.

We want to encourage everyone to be diligent with the mandate to stay-in-place and wear masks when going out for essential needs such as food or medical assistance or work. However, we acknowledge the fears and concerns within the black and brown community who are often racially profiled as criminals or belonging to gangs.

You can take proactive tips like communicating with your family and friends of your whereabouts when you have to go out, and acknowledge others while walking around in your neighborhood. It is important that you share with and remind your family and friends to make sure they:

• Stay at home
• Wash hands for at least 20 seconds
• Practice social distancing at least 6 feet
• Stay home when sick
• Cover when you cough or sneeze
• Seek medical advice

Please contact us at DCARA if you are in need of any assistance or service.

For more information: www.dcara.org/coronavirus