May 30, 2020
May 30, 2020
Black Americans have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. As of May 20, 23% of all Americans who had died of the disease were black while they represent only 13% of the U.S. population. Experts agree that black and hispanic Americans also have been particularly devastated by the 40 million layoffs so far.
In the midst of these dual tragedies, communities of color now must absorb the news of another case of horrific police brutality. I have no special insights or knowledge on this subject but my heart goes out to my black friends who have had to endure these stories for way too long. It shouldn't be that way.
Turning to the pandemic, today was much the same as yesterday, only worse. ADPH reported 618 new cases today, more than even New Jersey (!!), Ohio, Michigan or Washington state (the original epicenter in the U.S.). More than our neighbors, Georgia and Tennessee. Here are the discouraging 14-day totals:
5/17 - 309
5/18 - 300
5/19 - 387
5/20 - 358
5/21 - 403
5/22 - 367
5/23 - 374
5/24 - 348
5/25 - 639
5/26 - 592
5/27 - 353
5/28 - 487
5/29 - 511 (revised from 501)
5/30 - 618
Montgomery, Jefferson and Mobile top the list, in that order.