WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI — The Washtenaw County Health Department on Thursday released data breaking down coronavirus cases by ZIP code and race, showing that 48% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients who live in the county are black.

Black residents make up about 12% of the county’s population.

There have been COVID-19 cases in every ZIP code in Washtenaw County, the health department said.

“We know viruses do not discriminate based on location, race, ethnicity, or national origin,” said Health Officer Jimena Loveluck. “However, viruses like COVID-19 can highlight health disparities that are deeply rooted in our society.”

The data shows that 41% of hospitalized Washtenaw County patients are white, 4% are Asian, 2% are Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders and 1% are American Indians or Alaskan natives. Another 5% were other races or unknown.

There were a total of 435 cases in Washtenaw County as of noon Thursday, including 112 hospitalizations, eight deaths and 35 full recoveries.

35 more coronavirus cases confirmed in Washtenaw County

County health officials said that due to structural and environmental disadvantages, African Americans are more likely to have underlying health conditions like heart disease, asthma and diabetes, and are less likely to have access to health care in both Washtenaw County and across the country. The health department said those factors may be able to explain some, but not all of the disparate effects COVID-19 is having on African American communities.

“People of every race, economic status, and age are at risk for coronavirus and should continue taking every precaution to help slow the spread of illness,” the health department said. “Staying home whenever possible, as well as maintaining at least six feet between people, washing your hands, and avoiding touching your face when you must be out, continue to be the best ways to slow the spread of illness.”

As of noon Thursday, 44% of Washtenaw County COVID-19 cases were residents of the 48197 and 48198 ZIP codes in Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township. According to the health department, 29% of Washtenaw County’s population lives in those zip codes.

The 48103 and 48014 ZIP codes in Ann Arbor and western Washtenaw County communities each had 11% of cases, and a every other ZIP code had below 10%.

“Across the country, Black and Latino workers are more likely to work in lower-wage service, production, and transportation jobs, compared to White workers,” the health department said in the news release. “It is more difficult to tele-work or take time off from these professions. People in lower-income communities also tend to live closer together, increasing the potential for spread.”

The health department said it has been working with communities that face some of the largest health disparities — including multiple groups in Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township — for several years to identify and address inequalities.

People in need of essential resources can access the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development’s list of community services here, or call 211.

Total cases in the state exceeded 10,000 on Thursday, according to the state’s daily update.

Coronavirus continues rampage through Michigan as case total reaches 10,791, death toll hits 417

More information on cases in Washtenaw County can be found here.

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CORONAVIRUS PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and when you go into places like stores.

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