April 25, 2020
Most states have not released COVID-19 testing data broken down by race, according to the Johns Hopkins University & Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center. The Center’s website features interactive maps displaying COVID-19 test, case, and mortality counts around the world. According to data updated on April 24, just two states, Kansas and Illinois, have made racial testing information available. Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity Director, Dr. Lisa Cooper, explains that racial data is an important component of efforts to tailor pandemic response planning to vulnerable communities. “This data could help local, state, and national policymakers identify which populations may need additional access to resources such as testing, personal protective equipment, education, and support to implement recommended social distancing practices.” Dr. Cooper suggested a number of policy interventions for impacted communities, including guaranteed health insurance, access to temporary housing, and expanded access to food assistance.
ProPublica reported earlier in April on the disproportionate rates of infection and death in black communities. Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, where a quarter of the population is black, has shouldered almost half of all Covid-19 cases and a majority of deaths.