On Wednesday, Apr. 8, Council Member Fernando Cabrera issued the following statement on racial disparities in COVID-19 fatalities, with hispanic deaths highest.

“The numbers released tell a disgraceful story.  What we in low-income communities of color have suspected all along is finally out in the open.  There is a tremendous racial disparity in the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic in New York City and throughout the United States.  In New York City, Hispanics are 34% of COVID-19 fatalities but only 29% of the population. African-Americans are 28% of fatalities but only 22% of the population. Compared to whites at 32% of population and 27% of fatalities and Asians at 14% of population but only 7%[1] of the fatalities, the disparity is clear. As of yesterday, 15,348 [2]Bronx residents have tested positive, but testing has been inadequate in our communities since the beginning of the pandemic.  These high numbers still don’t tell the whole story since there are far too many people who haven’t been able to get a test.

Low-income people of color are far more likely to have the underlying chronic health conditions that make COVID-19 mortality more likely, and more likely to work as healthcare aids and other occupations that expose them to the public and unhealthy environments. These health disparities have been known for a very long time, yet, they were not considered with the distribution of testing or personal protective gear. The situation is compounded by crowded living conditions and lack of paid sick leave.  The evidence is in, we have the numbers. Fair and equitable testing and protective gear must be made immediately available in these communities to end disproportionate mortality.”