Xavier Odili

Coronavirus On My Mind Xavier Odili

We have known for months that the working class, the women of our country, and the peoples of color in America are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 for many reasons. The types of jobs that cannot be performed from home, the types of jobs where social distancing is nearly impossible, and the home life situations where an infected person cannot distance from family to protect them all contribute to that increased risk. We also know that the differences in the way some people in these groups access and interact with our healthcare system that led to higher rate of death in minorities from diabetes and heart disease would translate into higher death rate from COVID-19 as well. Despite these facts, we are seeing a crisis of misinformation spreading faster than the virus. Some people don't believe the virus is real. Some people don't think the virus is hurting anyone. As a doctor, I plead to you today to think twice before you underestimate this virus. Here's the truth you need to see.