Oprah Winfrey is concerned that the CDC is not being totally honest about the number of Black people killed by the coronavirus.
Winfrey said the coronavirus outbreak continued to have a devastating impact on Black communities and she’s concerned that people aren’t getting the message about the risk of asymptomatic carriers.
“It’s all these people [asymptomatic carriers], who perhaps could be carriers, Winfrey said.
In an interview with CBS This Morning on Tuesday, Winfrey said it was important for Black people to understand that preexisting conditions including diabetes and asthma put them at greater risk if they contract the virus.
Earlier this month, Winfrey announced she is donating $10 million to Black people in chocolate cities across the country.
“It’s not only ravaging our community, but people who have preexisting conditions, which I think people didn’t hear that,” she said.
Winfrey, previously revealed she was diagnosed with pneumonia in September. She worries that her lungs aren’t strong enough to survive contracting the virus.
“So the moment I heard preexisting conditions, I’m like, ‘lock the door, nobody coming in here,'” she said.
Many Black adult Americans have higher rates of diabetes, obesity and asthma, which makes them more vulnerable then their African brothers and sisters.
Some Black Americans also don’t go in for annual physicals or seek out medical treatment until they are sick.
COVID-19 causes mild symptoms or no symptoms in most healthy adults. The virus causes acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and potentially fatal pneumonia among the elderly, particularly those with chronic illnesses such as respiratory and heart problems, obesity, and smokers.
The CDC offers the following tips to avoid spreading the flu or Covid-19 virus:
1. Do not touch your face with unwashed hands
2. Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds
3. Avoid close contact with sick people
4. Sneeze and cough into a tissue or your elbow
5. Stay home if you are sick
5. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
6. When in doubt consult with a healthcare professional
