In response to the disproportionate increase of Latino residents of Montgomery County who have tested positive for COVID-19, CASA Executive Director Gustavo Torres issued the following statement.
“The COVID-19 crisis has disproportionately impacted Montgomery County’s Latinx families, especially those who are frontline workers. Latinxs represent roughly 20% of Montgomery County’s population, and yet according to a recent Washington Post investigative article, our community accounts for 74% of COVID-19 positive cases in the month of June. This is unacceptable! As infection rates decrease across all other groups, Montgomery County’s Latinx community, comprising over 200,000 residents, continue to experience greater vulnerability to this virus, and as such we demand the County prioritize their health and safety.
“Councilmembers Nancy Navarro and Gabe Albornoz, true committed leaders, have raised the alarm in the face of County failures at communication, investment, and prioritization. We appreciate that the County leadership is now pivoting to implement an adequate response plan. We stand ready to support these efforts and hold accountable policymakers responsible for this crisis. Only by working together can we save lives.”
###
With over 100,000 members across the states of Maryland, Virginia, and South Central Pennsylvania, CASA is the largest member-based Latino and immigrant organization in the mid-Atlantic region. CASA organizes with and litigates on behalf of low-wage immigrants. Visit us at www.wearecasa.org and follow us on Twitter at @CASAforall