Advocates To Distribute Masks And Urge More Support For Latino Communities

A Latino advocacy group will distribute masks and hold voter registration events this weekend. This comes as the Hispanic community makes up a disproportionate number of COVID-19 cases. 

Public health officials are making efforts to spread information and resources on coronavirus to Latino communities, but organizations like Siembra NC want more. Things like targeted employer guidance, assistance with food access, and information on where to obtain face coverings.

In Forsyth County, for example, the latest data show the Hispanic population accounts for 66 percent of positive COVID-19 cases. 

Andrew Willis Garcés is Siembra NC's director.

“We don't have a lot of representation of Latinos in elected offices,” says Garcés. “There is a connection between not getting quite enough support from our government agencies at different levels. Not because they don't want to help Latinos, but we think there is a cultural disconnect here.”

The event will take place in several North Carolina cities on Saturday, June 13: in Winston-Salem from 2-4 p.m. at 3015 Waughtown St., in Asheboro from 12-2 p.m. at 1406 N. Fayetteville St., in Burlington from 12-2 p.m. at 2638 N. Church St., and in Durham from 12-1 p.m. at 4931 Howe St. and from 2-3 p.m. at 5901 Wilkins Dr.

For the most up-to-date information on coronavirus in North Carolina, visit our Live Updates blog here. WFDD wants to hear your stories — connect with us and let us know what you're experiencing.