There's no scientific basis to believe that people of color are 'biologically or genetically predisposed to get COVID-19,' said Surgeon General Jerome Adams — but that they are 'socially predisposed to coronavirus exposure.'
and individual states and cities show stark racial disparities, a finding acknowledged by President Trump himself and multiple members of the White House task force.
"The chronic burden of medical ills is likely to make people of color, especially, less resilient to the ravages of COVID-19. And it is possibly, in fact, likely that the burden of social ills is likely contributing," Adams said, noting that many African Americans and Hispanics do not have the types of jobs that allow them to telework or remain at home, as the government is encouraging social distancing.
Adams also said that it was even more important for communities of color to adhere to the White House task force's guidance, and cautioned that they should avoid alcohol and drugs. He also urged Americans to check in on family members.. Do it for your granddaddy, do it for your Big Mama, do it for your pop-pop," he said.
Asked about his remarks later, Adams clarified that his guidance around avoiding alcohol and drugs was not just for communities of color, but for all Americans, particularly those at high risk and with co-morbidities.
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