COVID-19 racial disparities: Adding the social element to risk reduction and emergency preparedness strategies

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the world in many ways. The impact on vulnerable communities has been profound and worsened living conditions for those without proper housing, a steady job, or decent pay. Those most affected by the pandemic were women, children, older adults, immigrants, and the socioeconomically disadvantaged who belonged to non-White socio-cultural groups. The literature provides strong evidence that those who identified as Black, Hispanic, Native American, Pacific Islander, and Asian suffered the most, especially, during the early years of the pandemic. Using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention weekly data, this study examines standardized coefficients in a path analysis model to determine the relationships between socio-cultural identity, age, time period, and region with pandemic-related deaths. The regression model used in this study confirmed the relationship between socio-cultural identity and COVID-19 deaths. The results convey the value of strengthening the social element in risk reduction and emergency preparedness strategies to reduce public health disruptions affecting vulnerable communities during future emergencies.