University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers found the COVID-19 death rate among Black adults age 65 and older is approximately three times higher than among whites. The study by the Department of Sociology and the Institute of Ethnic Studies also found Latino adults are two times more likely than their white counterparts to die of COVID-19..
Marc Garcia is an assistant professor of sociology and ethnic studies at UNL and is one of the researchers. He said minorities are impacted more due to structural racism and inequalities that include poor housing, lack of access to quality healthcare, and working in high-contact, low-wage jobs.
"Here in Lincoln, these findings are relevant because we have not only a sizable Black and Latino population, but we also have a large refugee community that also are at high risk," he said.
Garcia also said many minorities live in households that have multiple family members, so it’s very difficult to quarantine. He recommends following proper health guidelines and social distancing measures to protect minority essential workers and their families.