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Connecticut Minorities Hit Hardest By Coronavirus

Bebeto Matthews
/
AP
A woman wears a mask and bandana to protect himself against COVID-19 in New York Tuesday. As the virus crosses the country, it is cutting a particularly devastating swath through an already vulnerable population, black Americans.

The coronavirus is disproportionately affecting minority communities Connecticut, according to the latest figures released by the state. Health officials say African Americans are twice as likely as whites to be infected. Latinos make up 16% of the state population, but they account for a quarter of confirmed cases.  

Governor Ned Lamont says this reflects a higher rate of infection in cities.

“You know folks in these underserved communities are less likely to be able to telecommute. More likely to be forward facing dealing with folks every day. More likely perhaps to be nurses. More likely to be daycare providers. More likely to be grocery store folks.”

He says that’s why the state wants to make sure that frontline workers have the necessary personal protective equipment. Some nursing home workers in the state have complained about having to improvise protective equipment.

Read the latest on WSHU’s coronavirus coverage here.

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As WSHU Public Radio’s award-winning senior political reporter, Ebong Udoma draws on his extensive tenure to delve deep into state politics during a major election year.
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