Low-Income Communities In New York Have More COVID-19 Cases, Says Andrew Cuomo

Andrew

Low-Income Communities In New York Have More COVID-19 Cases, Says Andrew Cuomo

On Wednesday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said that New York City residents in low-income communities have tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies more than the average rate, stressing the disease’s asymmetrical impact on people of color.

In his daily briefing, Cuomo said that out of 8,000 people tested positive for COVID-19 in low-income communities of the city, 27% had antibodies for the illness caused by the virus as compared to 19.9% in the general population.

The survey conducted in coordination with Northwell Health and community churches highlighted the overwhelming impact of COVID-19 on black and Latino residents in the poorer neighborhoods, Cuomo told in his briefing.

Cuomo also gave an example of Morrisania, a low-income residential area in the Bronx, where 43% of those tested were positive for antibodies. He also added that Morrisania had an 81% higher hospitalization rate than the city’s average.

“We are still seeing an increase in the numbers in the lower-income communities, predominantly minorities,” Cuomo said. “The spread is continuing in those communities, and that’s where the new cases are coming from.”

Cuomo said, to combat the problem, the state was doubling its testing footprint to 44 churches in communities that were severely hit by the virus.

Cuomo also added that the statewide hospitalizations had declined again on Tuesday, continuing the decrease in new cases that started more than a month ago. The deaths increased by 112, up from 105 the day before. However, it’s about one-fifth of the daily totals in mid-April.

Despite the decline in hospitalizations, Cuomo urged New Yorkers to wear masks in public, giving the reference of previously disclosed data that showed New York healthcare and transit workers and first responders tested positive for COVID-19 at lower-than-average rates.

“Why is there a lower infection rate?” Cuomo asked. “They are wearing the mask, and it works.”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

Never Miss The Highlight.

Receive updated information about US Presidential elections.