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COVID-19 survey data shows racial disparity
By Hannah Scott, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Published 5:08 PDT, Fri August 14, 2020
Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021
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The COVID-19 pandemic has had a differing impact on British Columbians of different racial, ethnic and economic backgrounds, according to data from the spring province-wide survey.
West Asian (44.9 per cent), Latin American (41.1 per cent) and South Asian (40.6 per cent) respondents were the most likely to report increased difficulty meeting financial needs.
Latin American (22.6 per cent), West Asian (21.5 per cent) and Black (21.1 per cent) respondents were the most likely to report not working due to the pandemic.
Japanese and Korean (30.3 per cent), multi-ethnic (26.7 per cent) and South Asian (26.5 per cent) respondents were the most likely to report having difficulty accessing healthcare.
Latin American (45 per cent), Southeast Asian (39.8 per cent) and Black (39.4 per cent) respondents were the most likely to report increased connection to family.
Overall, Caucasian respondents had less difficulty making ends meet, less food insecurity and were less likely to avoid healthcare. However, they were also more likely to report increased alcohol consumption.
Of respondents with an income lower than $60,000, a higher percentage had increased difficulty meeting financial need, were more food insecure, and were more likely to be out of work.
To view the complete modelling data, click here.