Data: Virus Impact Disproportionate For Blacks In Charlotte

Health officials observing COVID-19 in North Carolina's largest city say demographic data showed African Americans are being disproportionately affected.

The Charlotte Observer reports that data from Mecklenburg County shows black residents accounted for 43.9 percent of 303 confirmed COVID-19 cases locally through Saturday. By comparison, the U.S. Census estimates from last July show African American residents make up only 32.9 percent of Mecklenburg County's population.

Mecklenburg County Commissioner Mark Jerrell said the numbers are alarming, and it's something officials have to get under control immediately. As of Thursday, Mecklenburg County reported 495 cases of coronavirus.

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