by Rob Taylor Jr.
Courier Staff Writer
The numbers tell the story.
Allegheny County, the rust belt, puzzle-piece-shaped mecca that’s home to 1.2 million residents, can only boast a population that’s 14 percent African American.
But inside some of this county’s hospitals have been those who were hospitalized as a result of coronavirus, but with a eye-popping statistic — as of July 21, 34 percent of the people hospitalized for the virus have been Black.
The “invisible” enemy known as COVID-19 seems to be visibly attacking the county’s African American population.
Overall, Blacks in the county are responsible for 28 percent of the coronavirus cases, double the 14 percent
population.
And when it comes to COVID-related deaths, as of July 21, 43 African Americans have died in Allegheny County, or 21 percent of all coronavirus-related deaths.
Allegheny County officials’ actions have effectively shut down the club scene in the city and outlying burbs,
and with good reason. Sure, everyone can’t wait to get back to the party life, but COVID seems to come along for the ride, unannounced, uninvited, but sneakily stalking its next victim.
The New Pittsburgh Courier continues to tell our African American community to “Take This Virus Seriously.” Continue to social distance. Continue to wear masks. Continue to not have large gatherings.
Of course, everyone knows that coronavirus is trying to come after anyone of any race, at any time. As of early July 22, there were almost 145,000 deaths in the U.S. due to the virus. But as a publication that’s been informing our African American community in Pittsburgh and beyond for 110 years, it must be noted —
coronavirus continues to disproportionately affect our Black community. Our community must do everything
possible to stave off this virus.
About Post Author
