State officials say racial disparities of Coronavirus have diminished

by: WOOD TV8

LANSING, Mich. (WOOD TV) — Health Department officials in Michigan said Monday that Black residents are no longer being disproportionately infected and killed by the coronavirus, after they accounted for a staggering 40% of deaths and 29% of cases in the early days of the pandemic.

Officials noted that in last two available weeks of data, African-Americans represented 10% of COVID-19 deaths and 8% of cases. They comprise about 15% of the state’s population.

African Americans still account for at least 38% of confirmed and probable deaths overall, and at least 20% of cases. Some patients’ race is not always reported.

Michigan's Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II is the chair of the state task force that is tasked with addressing virus-related racial disparities. He credited people of color for being more likely to wear masks and follow safety guidelines.

See more: WOODTV.COM


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