Lawmaker asks if 'colored population' not washing their hands as well as others behind COVID rates

[OilemFirchen]

COLUMBUS — During a hearing on whether to declare racism a public health crisis, state Sen. Steve Huffman, R-Tipp City, asked if “the colored population” is hit harder by the coronavirus because perhaps they don’t wash their hands as well as other groups.

Huffman, an emergency room physician, asked a witness before the Senate Health Committee on Tuesday why COVID-19 is hitting African Americans harder than white people.

“My point is I understand African Americans have a higher incidence of chronic conditions and it makes them more susceptible to death from COVID. But why it doesn’t make them more susceptible to just get COVID. Could it just be that African Americans or the colored population do not wash their hands as well as other groups or wear a mask or do not socially distance themselves? That could be the explanation of the higher incidence?” he said.

Ohio Commission on Minority Health Director Angela Dawson responded to Huffman: “That is not the opinion of leading medical experts in this country.” COVID-19 impacts the respiratory system so those with chronic conditions are more vulnerable, she said.

https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/local/lawmaker-asks-colored-population-not-washing-their-hands-well-others-behind-covid-rates/mnI4I0D4DHS5uscmbpqcQL/

[Delphinus]

1. Oh my ...

I don't think I want him as *my* doctor.

I've read that racism actually plays a part in why the African American population is hit harder. This isn't the article I read, but it will help:

[link:https://theconversation.com/epidemics-have-often-led-to-discrimination-against-minorities-this-time-is-no-different-140189|

Epidemics have often led to discrimination against minorities – this time is no different
The disparity may be due to several factors, including lower levels of vitamin D in BAME groups. But there is little doubt that poverty and job insecurity, coupled with the stressful living conditions of black people, who are overwhelmingly concentrated in decrepit inner-city areas, also plays a role. (In Washington DC, for instance, the death rate among blacks is six times as high as for whites.)

Harvard philosopher and activist Cornel West has said that the racial health disparities revealed by COVID is a demonstration of America’s “failed social experiment”. Whether or not you accept this verdict, these disparities are prompting questions about the fitness of the US public health system and America’s ability to protect its most vulnerable and disadvantaged citizens from contagious diseases.

(more at link above)

[bobnicewander]

2. Our brothers and sisters are

actually scrubbing longer and harder to wash away the rethuglican party. Full Stop.

[SamKnause]

3. Stupid out of touch mother fucker.

I doubt he knows how to wipe his ass.

WTF is wrong with this country ???

I guess he is one of those doctors who thinks the coloreds don't feel pain either.

I wish we could deport all of these ignorant racist fucks.

Who refers to black people as coloreds in 2020 ???

I wouldn't want that cracker ass touching me.

[dameatball]

4. Repub lawmakers are also requesting that we wash our pockets. Particular where they put their hands.

[Siwsan]

5. This guy is a 55 year old PHYSICIAN!?!?!?!

[OilemFirchen]

10. My SO works with fellow nurses...

who insist that COVID-19 is a hoax, and anyway they've had IC patients treated with hydroxychloroquine get up and go home, so there.

It's mind-boggling.

[Siwsan]

11. I'm flashing back to some of the physicians I screened for credentialing, in my past life

There were more than a few that I wouldn't trust to take my pulse.

[sheshe2]

6. "Colored"?

[BigmanPigman]

7. Is this so called doctor living in a 1956 time warp?

Who speaks this way today?

[trof]

8. And we thought we had made some progress in 'race relations' since the 60s.

This shit just never stops.
Maybe this time?

[Dagstead Bumwood]

9. I Live just down the road a piece from Tipp City.

Those idiots gave him a promotion last year from the state House to the Senate. None of this is a huge surprise.

[OilemFirchen]

12. I actually am a bit surprised.

I had guessed Lebanon before clicking on the article.

[Dagstead Bumwood]

13. That would have been a good choice, too.

Too much of that around these parts, unfortunately.