80% of Richmond’s virus cases are among Blacks and Latinos

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - More than 80% of coronavirus cases in Virginia’s capital city are among its Black and Latino populations.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported Tuesday that the virus runs rampant in close quarters and heavily impacts low-wage workers who lack paid sick leave and adequate workplace protections..

Latinos in Richmond have been hit particularly hard. They have nearly three times the number of virus cases than white residents. Latinos make up 7% of the city’s population.

Dr. Danny Avula is the director of the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts. He said a lack of workplace protections fueled the impact. People in the Black and Latino communities were forced to make a choice: stay home and risk being fired, or go to work and potentially get sick.