Free COVID-19 Testing: Churches Serving African-Americans and Latinos
African-Americans and Latinos in New York will have another round of free COVID-19 testing on June 19, and another one may be conducted this summer by different churches and the state government.
Free COVID-19 Tests for Latinos and Blacks
Latinos and Blacks or the minorities in the state of New York have been adversely affected by the global pandemic. Aside from the economic and health devastation, minorities do not have access to COVID-19 tests that could somehow help flatten the curve of the increasing rate of infections in the state.
According to a published article in The New York Times, churches that are serving the African-Americans and Latinos are now expanding their free COVID-19 testing services across the state. These churches are working closely with the governor's office and Northwell Health to make this charitable initiative possible.
In addition, the government's office will provide the churches during the free COVID-19 tests with staff, supplies, and Personal Protective Equipment. Meanwhile, Northwell Health will be deploying nurses, emergency medical technicians, and phlebotomists.
Results of the Previous COVID-19 Tests
The free COVID-19 testing began in in May at 24 churches in New York. The result showed that out of 1,000 residents who were having the symptoms, nearly nine percent tested positive for the virus.
Another COVID-19 testing was conducted on June 1 at the different churches serving African-Americans and Latinos in New York City, Hudson Valley, and Long Island. The free COVID-19 testing will continue on June 19 and may be conducted as well this summer.
Latinos and Blacks Hardest Hit in New York
In another published report from ABC News, the report revealed that more Blacks in the city of New York are dying from COVID-19 compared to other racial groups. This was also confirmed through the data released by the City Health Department.
As of today, the country has recorded more than 2 million COVID-19 cases and a death toll of more than 116,000. Meanwhile, the state of New York has recorded more than 400,000 cases and a death toll of more than 30,000 according to worldometers.
This makes New York the state in the country with the highest number of infections. They are followed by New Jersey, California, Illinois, and Massachusetts.
Additionally, it is not only in one state where the African-Americans and Latinos were hardest hit by COVID-19. According to data gathered by the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention, many of the states in the country found that African-Americans and Latinos are more likely to be hospitalized due to COVID-19.
Meanwhile, a study from the Kaiser Family Foundation revealed that African-American share a large amount on infections and death toll in almost all states across the country.
It is for this reason that churches in the State of New York are now doubling their efforts to massively tests the minorities who are very vulnerable to COVID-19. The COVID-19 testing will help to treat the African-Americans and Latinos who will test positive for the virus.
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