At-Risk: African Americans Affected by the Pandemic
It has been three weeks since Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine issued the “Stay-at-home” order to slow the spread of COVID-19. The order restricts Ohioans to their homes, only allowing “essential activities,” which includes grocery shopping, prescription pick-up, and doctor appointments. Zoos, theatres, recreational parks, and daycares were ordered to close. DeWine believes staying home will “flatten the curve.”
“We haven’t faced an enemy like we are facing today in 102 years-we are at war. In the time of war, we must make a sacrifice, and I thank all of our Ohio citizens for what they are doing and what they aren’t doing. You are making a huge difference, and this difference will save lives,” said DeWine.
The order was expected to be in place until April 6, 2020. However, due to the increase in confirmed cases in the state, nation, and world, DeWine extended the order until May 1, 2020.
During a press conference on April 2, 2020, DeWine acknowledged the difficulty of observing the order saying, “we understand that this is tough-it is very difficult. But, I would not be making these decisions if it wasn’t a matter of life and death.”
According to the Coronavirus resource center at John Hopkins University & Medicine, more than 90% of the Nation’s population (about 300 million Americans), are under a “stay-at-home” order.
On Friday, Health Commissioner at the Cuyahoga County Board of Health (CCBH), Terry Allan, explained in a press conference the order’s intention and encouraged Ohioans to comply with the involuntary shutdown.
“The spirit of the order is not to be punitive, the spirit is to help, to save lives,” said Allan.
Who is Most at Risk?
In an early-release report by CDC on April 8, 2020, severe cases of COVID-19 disproportionately affect African American communities. Such disparity is rooted in structural racism.
“It’s important to remember that these disparities and inequities did not emerge with COVID-19,” Allan added, “They relate back to our original sin of racial injustice in this community.”
The virus causes respiratory illness, similar to the flu. These include having a cough, fever and/or shortness of breath (more severe cases). Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear two to 14 days after exposure. The virus may be especially fatal for people who have underlying medical conditions such as, heart or lung diseases, diabetes, obesity, or high blood pressure.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Minority Health, African Americans have the highest mortality rate of any racial/ethnic group. They are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes. Compared to white Americans, 20% of African Americans are more likely to die of heart disease. According to the CDC, African Americans are less healthy and inadequately insured.
In an interview with BET, (Black Entertainment Television) The U.S. Surgeon General, Jerome Adams gave insight into why African Americans are at risk saying, “unfortunately, in this country, we know that being black means that you are likely to be of a lower socioeconomic status and the things we are telling people to do to protect themselves- social distancing, staying home from work are not options for people who rely on a job which may or may not have health insurance to keep them safe.”
When asked what he and staff are doing federally, to mitigate the disparity Adams says, “We’re working with the CDC to make sure we’re collecting the data about all populations, but in particular looking at breaking it down by race and by age, by gender, by location, so that we can tell communities specifically what they need to know to keep themselves safe.”
According to the United States Census Bureau, Cuyahoga County has a 64% white population and 31% African American population. 40% of people who tested positive for COVID-19 are African Americans. In comparison, 44% of people who tested positive for COVID-19 are White Americans. However, the data is “incomplete,” because it’s constantly changing. CCBH officials are seeking forthcoming racial demographic data.
The current COVID-19 data Courtesy of The Ohio Department of Health
As of Thursday afternoon, approximately 20% of Ohio’s 5,512 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were African American patients, who make up 12% of the state’s population. In comparison, Whites make up 79% of the state population though account for 52% reported cases. Patients disclose their race voluntarily. Thus, the race of 20% of the reported cases is unknown.
Prevention of PPE Shortages
Amid the pandemic, innovation to try combat PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) shortages of essential workers have increased.
Dewine announced during Thursday’s press release, the partnership between manufacturers and hospitals to provide safety equipment to health care workers.
Over the next five weeks, through the Ohio Medical Alliance, 19 manufacturers will mass-produce face shields for three hospitals associated with JobsOhio. Dewine predicts between 750,000 to one million face shields will be added to the Ohio Department of Health’s stockpile.
Battel, a Columbus-based research company created a system that decontaminates up to 80,000 N95 respirators a day, using concentrated vapor phase hydrogen peroxide.
This is good news for Respiratory Therapist, Jason Schmidt, who has reused PPE. Schmidt works in the Emergency Department at The Cleveland Clinic where healthcare officials risk potential self-contamination.
“We are putting ourselves at risk when we’re reusing those things, because what do you do with it? Take it out, put it in a bag, when the bags are contaminated? Take the thing out of the bag, the mask is contaminated through and through,” said Schmidt.
Respiratory Therapist, Jason Schmidt, Cleveland Clinic-Main Campus
In the days to come, officials will analyze how the virus affects healthcare workers, patients, and ethnic communities.
For those who want to strengthen their immune system, Schmidt says it can be maintained through physical activity and eating fruits and vegetables.
