Chapter 8 Facing COVID–19
OVID-19 began its spread across the United States with devastating and deadly consequences. But the novel
communities are profoundly unequal.
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Eight days later, CaliforniaÕs governor issued a statewide stay-at-home order to slow its spread. Within 15 months, about 3.8 million Californians contracted the virus. More than 63,600 people died. Although 39% of the stateÕs population, Latinos accounted for a horribly disproportionate 55% of COVID-19 cases and 46% of all deaths, according to ÒThe COVID Tracking Project.Ó The highly infectious respiratory disease laid bare acute racial disparities in American society. This was apparent in a number of critical areas such as access to health care, academic achievement and employment.
Ambulances line up at Scripps Mercy Hospital, Hillcrest 2020 (The San Diego Union-Tribune)
(CA Covid-19 Declaration)
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San Diego Latino Legacy – Timeline • Milestones • Stories
Chapter 8 – Facing COVID-19
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