Study Notes on Racial Disparities in COVID-19 Based on New York Times Article

Date of Publication: April 29, 2020
Author: Linda Villarosa
Context: The article discusses racial disparities revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the Krewe of Zulu's Mardi Gras celebration as a backdrop.

Mardi Gras Celebration: On February 25, 2020, the Krewe of Zulu parade marked the commencement of Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans, attended by tens of thousands.
- Parade Features: Jazz musicians, marching bands, dancers in elaborate costumes, and Zulu-themed attire.
Historical Context: Zulu costumes incorporate elements like blackface, serving as a form of cultural reclamation of negative stereotypes.
- Founding of Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club: Established in 1909, focuses on community service, civic pride, and cultural representation.

Pandemic Emergence: By late February, COVID-19 was already documented internationally, although authorities initially downplayed risks.
Public Health Statements:
- Louisiana officials stated the risk was low ahead of Mardi Gras, despite growing concerns globally.
- Public health emails reflected an underestimation of the potential impact of COVID-19 on gatherings.

Federal Leadership: On February 23, President Trump declared the situation “under control,” despite warnings from advisors about potential fatalities.
- March 9: The first presumptive COVID-19 case reported in Louisiana.
Health Guidelines: CDC eventually issued warnings about risks, yet local leaders—aided by mixed federal messaging—felt pressured to continue celebrations.

Membership Impact:
- After Mardi Gras, a significant outbreak among members occurred, with at least 30 cases linked back to festivities, resulting in several deaths.
Community Context: Many members from low-income backgrounds lacked resources such as sick days or the ability to work from home, exacerbating their health risks by COVID-19.

Statistics Regarding Death Rates: By April 6, data showed African-Americans were disproportionately affected.
- Death Rate in Louisiana: While constituting only 33% of the population, they accounted for 70% of COVID-19 deaths.
- Comparative Statistics:
- Michigan: Black individuals account for 40% of deaths.
- Mississippi: 61% of deaths among 38% of the population.
- New York: Black individuals more likely to die than white counterparts.
Compounding Factors: Higher rates of pre-existing conditions among Black Americans (e.g., hypertension, diabetes) associating with increased vulnerability to COVID-19.
- Studies indicate around 90% of severe COVID-19 cases involve underlying health conditions.

Public Health Initiatives: Effective messaging and data aggregation were hampered by a lack of federal guidance.
- Public health campaigns aimed at targeting health disparities once data became available.
Government Response: Calls from lawmakers for the release of racial data highlighted systemic inequities in health outcomes.

Social Determinants of Health: Poor living conditions in predominantly Black communities lead to worse health outcomes, exacerbated by environmental pollution.
- Studies indicate that exposure to pollutants, like PM 2.5, correlates with increased COVID-19 death rates.

Weathering Hypothesis: Concept introduced by Dr. Arline Geronimus explains how chronic stress from racial discrimination deteriorates health among Black Americans.
Causal Links: Ongoing discrimination is linked to health disparities in care quality and access.

Specific Cases: Personal accounts illustrate the immediate effects of the pandemic on Zulu members, highlighting both the illness and the broader implications of loss.
Lamentation in Deaths: As community members succumbed, the longstanding cultural traditions for honoring deceased members became restricted due to health guidelines.