A New Strain Of COVID Threatens Black Communities

Woman wearing facemask
Leslie Taylor-Grover
June 30, 2021

Despite the rates of vaccination, COVID-19 has recently become an even worse threat to us. A second strain of the virus, called “Delta,” spreads more quickly, has a different set of symptoms, and takes less time to kill. Should we be concerned?

U.S. states with some of the lowest vaccination rates, like Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi, also have the highest Black populations. That means there could be more people refusing masks, social distancing, and vaccination – thus spreading “Delta” – in YOUR state.

But it gets even worse.

Experts point out that survival rates could depend on healthcare access in local communities. States with low vaccination rates also have the highest rates of health disparities, including access to doctors and hospitals for our people at the local level. The worst part?

This new strain may have a new set of symptoms that could be even more resistant to our current treatments. It’s expected to become more common than the original COVID-19 virus!

A lot of people are talking about “post-COVID” life, but COVID-19 is getting stronger, more contagious, and more deadly for the unvaccinated. 

Whether by getting vaccinated, being diligent about masks and social distancing, or caring for our overall health, we must do everything in our power to protect ourselves and prioritize the health of our families and communities.

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