Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer Declares Racism a Public Health Crisis In The State

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced additional steps to combat racism, declaring it a public health crisis as the state confronts what she called systemic inequities highlighted by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Democratic governor also created an advisory council of Black leaders and asked the state health department to make health equity a major goal.

"We have a lot of work to do to eradicate the systemic racism that Black Americans have faced for generations. That's going to take time," she said at a news conference Wednesday updating the public on the COVID-19 outbreak.

Black people account for about 39% of Michigan's nearly 6,500 confirmed and probable deaths related to COVID despite making up 14% of the population. In cases where race and ethnicity are known, the infection rate among Black residents is 14,703 per 1 million, compared to 4,160 for white residents.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

QUICKTAKE ON SOCIAL:

Follow QuickTake on Twitter: twitter.com/quicktake

Like QuickTake on Facebook: facebook.com/quicktake

Follow QuickTake on Instagram: instagram.com/quicktake

Subscribe to our newsletter

Email us at quicktakenews@gmail.com

QuickTake by Bloomberg is a global news network delivering up-to-the-minute analysis on the biggest news, trends and ideas for a new generation of leaders.