CHESAPEAKE, Va. — COVID-19 is affecting everyone in different ways.
Dr. Nancy Welch, the director of the Chesapeake Health Department was exposed by someone who tested positive and is in isolation as a precaution.
The virus has impacted families like the Cortes family in Virginia Beach.
Luis Cortes is the owner of La Selecta, a Spanish radio station owner.
“I did lose two family members to COVID,” said Cortes.
They both want to keep others from contracting the virus. They partnered to create more testing sites in Latino neighborhoods and are learning why many Latinos are testing positive.
“We’ve increased our bilingual staff because it is confirmed that we have a higher percentage of positivity among the Latino population,” said Welch.
Cortes said more Latinos need to get a COVID-19 test. He says Latinos shouldn’t fear their citizenship status.
“We’re not here asking for your documentation. We just want to make sure that you’re healthy and you're not spreading this virus to anyone around you," said Cortes.
Welch provided data from July 18, 2020 of percentages showing the disparity between positive cases and testing:
“That other bar chart shows there was something like 1.3 percent of those who came to be tested for Latinos, yet they represented around 5 percent of the total positives. That’s a much higher disproportionate percentage,” said Welch.
Welch and Cortes agreed the increase of cases could be related to the number of people living in one household.
“That is certainly why we are seeing a higher positivity rate among the Latino population,” said Welch.
“We’re very close-knit. Yes, you tell people to isolate yourself... that’s impossible If you live with three to four families in one household,” explained Cortes.
Welch explained social services have helped pay for hotel rooms if someone can’t isolate.
Welch mentioned the health department is still working on its next testing date. Furthermore, the increase in positive tests across Hampton Roads has also increased the number of contact tracing cases.