CDC releases limited racial, ethnic data on coronavirus impact

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week began publishing limited racial and ethnic data on coronavirus cases.

The newly available data, which CDC says will be updated daily, shows that, to date, African Americans account for 33% of confirmed COVID-19 cases, and Latino Americans account for 23%. Both percentages exceed the groups’ share of the U.S. population, 13% and 18%, respectively.

The AHA, American Medical Association and American Nurses Association last week urged the Department of Health and Human Services to identify and address disparities in the federal response to COVID-19, including increasing the availability of testing, ensuring access to equitable treatment and disseminating timely, relevant, culturally appropriate and culturally sensitive public health information.