At Risk Groups
Some people are more at risk of developing dangerous symptoms and complications from COVID-19. These include older adults (age 65 and older) and people of any age who have serious health problems, including:
- Lung problems
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Cancer and certain blood disorders
- Weakened immune system
- Chronic kidney or liver disease
Some people are more at risk of developing dangerous symptoms and complications from COVID-19. These include older adults (age 65 and older) and people of any age who have serious health problems, including:
- Lung problems
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Cancer and certain blood disorders
- Weakened immune system
- Chronic kidney or liver disease
Click here to learn more about who may be at an increased risk
Racial and Ethnic Minorities
Some groups of people, including racial and ethnic minorities, are at a greater risk of developing severe illness, being hospitalized, or dying from COVID-19. These include individuals who identify as Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Asian.
Racial minority groups are at the highest risk for contracting COVID-19 because of social and health inequalities. People in these communities are more likely to:
Experience high
unemployment rates
Frequently use
public transportation
Have limited access to Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and disinfectants
Be a service or essential worker (unable to work from home)
All of these risk factors contribute to higher rates of COVID-19 in these communities. To learn more, visit the CDC.
COVID-19 Hospitalization and Death by Race/Ethnicity (CDC, 2021)
Source: CDC/Coronavirus data from March 12, 2021
Being able to work from home is a privilege that many racial and ethnic minorities do not have. Working from home increases a person’s daily ability to social distance from others.
Black and Hispanic individuals are more likely to hold service jobs and essential roles that require them to work in person. Being around more people increases their risk of COVID-19.
About half of Hispanics report they or someone in their household has lost a job or taken a pay cut as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. This is compared to 33% of all US adults.
When people are unemployed or have less income, they may not be able to buy items like face masks and disinfectant. These important items help prevent getting and spreading COVID-19.