Covid Is Racist

[Spicerack]

according to several pundits. Black and brown people are much more likely to catch it both here and in the US. Any ideas why?

[naomi24]

Discussed here.

https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/News/Question1702373.html

[Jordyboy9]

i dont believe this ,
if this were true the bampots in the world would be on about ok,
never mind self isolation let the virus run its coarse.

[margarettom]

Somewhere there is a list, with pictures, of all the NHS workers who have died of covid and most of those were from the ethnic minorities. Very sad really.

[sp1814]

Spicerack

It's not so much that Covid-19 is racist (it can't be anyway as it's not not a sentient being). What's being pointed out is that there is a disproportionate number of people from ethnic minority backgrounds falling ill.

Studies have shown people with south Asian backgrounds have a higher prevalence of diabetes and heart disease, which are two of the health conditions that puts people in the higher risk categories for Covid-19.

Then there's the issue of self-isolation being a problem - families from ethnic minority backgrounds are more likely to living in multi-generational households.

[royfromaus]

The world needs fewer people and fewer bats.

[Zacs-Master]

It’s ironic but that is EXACTLY the sort of conclusion the remedial class kids would come to.

[KARL]

My understanding from everything I have read and heard is that infection is completely indiscriminate regarding ethnicity, gender, make of shoes, colour of clothing, etc., even age as well, all of this in equal conditions of exposure - everyone is infected to the same likelihood when exposed to the virus. It is widely believed that infection affects the young less severely and that in the general population perhaps as many as 50% of those infected (all ages perhaps) never get any symptoms. However, there is evidence, at least in the USA, that ethnicity matters when it comes to how badly the illness affects people. The statement I came across somewhere recently was that in the USA the ethnic minorities tend to be poorer, less well nourished (quality of diet), more overweight, more likely to have diabetes, etc., etc. In other words, that they are less fit to fight off the infection, that they therefore become more ill and consequently are more likely to die as a result. This may well be similar elsewhere, not so much an ethnic predisposition but one by lifestyle and in particular lower income and/or poverty.

[Theland]

Yes, apart from what has already been discussed, there appears to be a genetic weakness that is partly responsible.
My daughter in law, ethnic Sudanese, has a condition called, I think, Meditarranean virus/disease, think it is a blood condition.

[maggiebee]

margarettom - does that not just show that more people from "ethnic minorities" work in the NHS? I don't think this virus discriminates in any way.

[royfromaus]

Master
It’s ironic but that is EXACTLY the sort of conclusion the remedial class kids would come to.



Conclusion?
Why have you used the word 'conclusion'?

[Zacs-Master]

I was answering the OP, Roy. Don’t get all Kevin Bloody Wilson on me.

[sp1814]

KARL

I've read something similar, and I agree that the disease is indiscriminate, but the clinical outcome can depend on what you do for a living, how old you are, and whether you're a smoker or obese.

So yes - I see what you mean. I think that the disease *is* indiscriminate, but your outcome is dependent on the factors listed above.

[Theland]

Karl - In the sixties, approx 40% of black children were in single parent families, today it is 70%, and the poverty that accompanies it.
Figures for white kids is lower, improving education and life chances for them.

[royfromaus]

Zacs, there's no need to swear and who is Kevin Wilson?

[Theland]

Harry Enfield?

[Zacs-Master]

You can’t be from Aus and not know who KBW is. Google him.

[royfromaus]

You can't be British if you didn't spot the humour.

[Zacs-Master]

Forgive me. You’re not known for your humour, Roy.

[ichkeria]

“ My daughter in law, ethnic Sudanese, has a condition called, I think, Meditarranean virus/disease, think it is a blood condition“

And yet actual Sudan: 15 cases, two deaths it would seem

[Ringlet]

One word - poverty. Black and brown people are more likely to be undernourished, have more underlying health conditions and consequently weaker resistance to the virus.