Data shows Black employees experienced record unemployment rates since the start of the pandemic. With the exception of Latina women, Black women have experienced the highest unemployment rate since March, as compared to all other races and genders.

Black women are twice as likely to be impacted economically from COVID-19 as compared to white men. This is because Black women make up a huge proportion of essential workers. They are also overwhelmingly represented in employment sectors that do not provide sick leave, and do not offer the health protective factor of the ability to work from home at the same rates as their white counterparts. The Economic Policy Institute estimates that Black employees are “60% more likely to be uninsured” as compared to white employees. This suggests that there will be huge inequality with connecting people suffering with COVID-19 or post-viral syndrome to adequate healthcare.

Hospitals received a substantial bailout for COVID-19 through the CARES Act. However, this government aid was not fully extended to COVID-19 patients. People with post-viral syndrome will need months and possibly years of medical care. As a professor, I have generous health insurance, yet COVID-19 left me with thousands of dollars in medical bills that are not covered by my insurance. Like many people suffering from post-viral syndrome, I might have to go on short-term disability, which means a pay cut in a period when I need my full paycheck most.

Employers have the power to impact an employee’s health. Penalizing employees financially for contracting COVID-19 and post-viral syndrome is not the answer. Employers, government, hospitals and insurance companies need to catch up to the economic consequences of COVID-19 and get creative in providing modifications. Economics is a big driver for health, especially for single mothers. Minorities are not only disproportionately losing the battle with their health, but also with their employment during this historic pandemic.

Dr. Gage Witvliet

Writing since February 2022 · 1 story contributed