A coronavirus data tracker released by the New York State Department of Health on Wednesday, showed that minorities are being disproportionately hurt by COVID-19.
Outside of New York City, the African American community makes up 9% of the statewide population, but account for 18% of coronavirus deaths.
Similar statistics are shown in Hispanic communities, which make up 11% of the statewide population, outside of New York City, but account for 14% coronavirus deaths.
In response, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that the state will be increasing testing among minority communities.
“It always seems that the poorest people pay the highest price. Why is that?” questioned Cuomo.
While this is not just a problem in New York, Cuomo says he wants to research why these disparities exist.
Many researchers point to underlying health issues and a lack of access to regular health care as a reason for some minorities might be more susceptible to the coronavirus.
However there is another big reason as well. Many minorities work service jobs and have been the frontline workers in this pandemic.
“Let’s actually get research and data that can inform us as to why are we having more people in minority communities, more people in certain neighborhoods, why do they have higher rates of infection,” Cuomo said.
Cuomo says the state is going to partner with the president of the University at Albany, Dr. Havidan Rodriguez, and the Health Department to research why these higher rates are seen in minority communities and work to increase testing for these groups.