Why are so many Black folks dying of the Coronavirus?

– Dr. Mary Bisbee-Burrows

The elders often used to say, that “when America gets a cold, Black folks gets the flu”. This statement sadly rings true today when it comes to the impact that Covid 19, also known as the Coronavirus is having on the Black community’s health.  Recently released racial data about the novel infections’ high death rates on Blacks is extremely alarming.  

Much of the mainstream media conversation has focused on congregating as a driving factor. However, health disparities paint a different, deeper and darker picture. Blacks tend to live in denser communities, have more co-morbid health conditions and tend to have higher occupational health hazards. Clearly socializing is not the driver in these numbers. Stay tuned for the full article in the May/June issue!

This upcoming special edition of Upstate New York Gospel Magazine will highlight how folks are coping and responding to the Coronavirus’ pandemic and its impact on them individually, collectively, and as a nation.