"Facts tell different stories, depending on who is picking them, and placing them in a narrative line," said Dr. David Hayes-Bautista/UCLA Center for the study of Latino Health and Culture. "People said 'well Latinos are going to have a high rate because Latinos tend to suffer from obesity they eat all these tortillas and chicharrones and do everything else they shouldn't."
MORE: Medical expert describes 'historic decimation' of Latinos by COVID-19
Medical expert describes 'historic decimation' of Latinos by COVID-19
He instead points to the fact that many Latinos were deemed essential workers and left unprotected.
"This was happening around the country," said Dr. Hayes-Bautista. "The transportation drivers, metro drivers, bus drivers, the workers who cleaned the offices, the nursing home attendant."
The research takes a deep dive into inequities and discrimination amplified during the pandemic. Recommendations include not just continuing to increase testing sites in low-income communities of color and rapid testing, but also expanding food assistance programs and internet access.
MORE: Despite making strides, Latinos are still trying to achieve equity
Latinos have made strides in the US, but still have a long way to go to achieve educational, economic equity