Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams released the following statement on the racial disparity in the impact of the COVID-19 public health crisis after new state data showed significantly higher rates of antibodies in lower income communities of more color throughout New York City.
"Today's data once again confirms what we already knew, and what I've stated repeatedly -New York's lower income neighborhoods of more color are epicenters within the epicenter of this crisis. This devastating outcome is the result of delayed and inadequate responses by the city, state, and federal government that put New Yorkers with less privilege at greater risk on the frontlines without a plan for protection, and perpetuate long-standing systemic failures.
"We know more people will continue to contract and lose their lives to this illness at disproportionate rates unless we expand and expedite efforts to combat the virus in these communities. While I'm glad to see the Governor now take additional steps to address these disparities, it does not make up for lost time or lost lives."
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