State, Northwell test for Covid-19 in minority communities

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New York state and Northwell Health are partnering to increase Covid-19 testing in the minority communities hardest hit by the virus in downstate New York, Governor Cuomo said Saturday. Testing will take place at 24 churches.

Two Nassau County houses of worship — the Union Baptist Church in Hempstead and the First Baptist Church in Westbury — will be among the 24. 

Results of the state's diagnostic testing and antibody testing surveys found the highest rates of Covid-19 infection in low-income and minority communities, according to the governor.  Additionally, a state survey of all newly hospitalized Covid-19 patients found communities of color are most impacted. Of the 21 zip codes with the most new Covid-19 hospitalizations, 20 have greater than average black and/or Latino populations.  

"It is a cruel fact that when you look at disasters and emergencies, the poorest and most disadvantaged people often pay the highest price, and the Covid-19 pandemic is no different," Cuomo said. "The fact is that low-income and minority communities are suffering the most. It is not right, and we have to address it.”

Michael Dowling, Northwell Health’s president and CEO, said, "Given the prevalence of the coronavirus within communities of color, it's imperative that we act quickly to prevent further spread of the virus. Among the ways we can protect our communities — beyond social distancing, wearing facemasks, avoiding group gatherings and basic hand hygiene — is through testing.” 

The governor also announced preliminary results of the state's antibody testing survey of more than 1,300 transit workers in the New York City region. Roughly 14 percent, he said, had Covid-19 antibodies. By comparison, 16 percent, or 1 in 6 people on Long Island, tested positive for the antibodies, and 19 percent, or 1 in 5 people, were positive in New York City.