African Americans can be dying at rates 2-6 times higher than white and non-Hispanic counterparts. Blaming racism itself would be a silly oversimplification, however the issue showcases just how deep-rooted inequality is in American society.
Back during the 1918 pandemic racism was rampant, at least by today's standards. Doctors were openly claiming 'Negros' are far less succeptable to influenza, while others suggested this alone confirms they aren't entirely human. We're not seeing such statements today, but that doesn't mean America has gotten over the race issue. It's still there and it's causing non-white Americans to face much worse health outcomes during the coronavirus pandemic, black Americans in particular.
Early data coming from the Carolinas, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Wisconsin is showing a painful trend. African Americans are hospitalised (that means: they develop severe coronavirus infections) more often than their share of the population would suggest and they may be dying at 2-6 times the rate of white Americans. While it's too early for final conclusions, one seems not to be premature: racial disparities exist and may be further exacerbated by the pandemic.
