AA COVID

The number of deaths due covid- 19 broken down by race is shocking.

The number of deaths due covid- 19 broken down by race is shocking.

As it continues to rip through the nation, black communities have been infected and killed at a disproportionate rate right here in mississippi.

Our deandria turner has more on the story.

Businesses closed& streets empty... as people in oxford& like many across the country& continue to stay home.

But for those deemed essential...like latasha burton staying home is not an option...and it's scary.

"im the breadwinner.

I have to be the one that takes the risk because if i don't i won't be able to feed my children" data from the mississippi department of health shows that the coronavirus is disproportionatel y killing the black community with over 70% of deaths.

They only make up less than 40% of the states population "we're also seeing more than 50% of the deaths occurring in african-americans.

This is troubling obviously."

If history is our teacher then the most vulnerable will continue to bear the brunt of this virus "the fact that we don't have equal access to these services.

We don't have equal access to these affordable care.

We don't get the same response when we walk into the doctors office or emergency room as white people do explains the reason why we are sicker overall and we are sicker in the particular case with virus" he believes the only way things will change is to include the ones who are affected in decision making "it's not just about whether you have an md or a phd it's about whether you really understand what their problems are and i think the people who best understand what the problems are people who are grabbling with them."

Stand up: for now, people like burton are still going to work and wearing protective gear like this to face the everyday battles of this virus and continue to provide for her home.

"for us to have to go out here everyday and not knowing is hard by itself" researchers also point to the number of minorities who are working essential jobs in grocery stores and fast food restaurants, as aides in health care and in janitorial services.

Their point of contact with members of the community may be higher and