Lacking Covid Treatments, New York State Prioritizes Black and Brown People Over Whites in Drug Apportionment

And we thought medical treatment should be passed out without regard to race! In a memo dated December 27, 2021 to health care providers, the New York State Department of Health warns they don't have enough Paxlovid or Monoclonal Antibody Treatment. Therefore, members of minority groups will be given priority over white people who are merely sick. Here's a link, no we're not making this up. http://mssnyenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/122821_Notification_107774.pdf

It says in relevant part: "Oral antiviral treatment is authorized for patients who meet all the following criteria:....• Have a medical condition or other factors that increase their risk for severe illness. o Non-white race or Hispanic/Latino ethnicity should be considered a risk factor, as longstanding systemic health and social inequities have contributed to an increased risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19. “

So if you are a recent Haitian immigrant or an immigrant from Latin America, you get to cut in line in New York Covid wards ahead of Americans whose skin color happens to be lighter than your own. Because of historic discrimination. Nice job, New York State!

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