Two weeks ago, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp drew sharp criticisms from African Americans across the country. Black politicians, social media commenters, and others blasted the governor, saying his decision to lift his state’s month-long stay-at-home order by first opening businesses like barbershops, nail salons, sneaker stores, tattoo parlors, gyms, and bowling alleys put the lives of Blacks at risk. Those are businesses African Americans frequent, his critics pointed out.

Dr. Melva Thompson-Robinson knows the data on the disparate impact of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 on African Americans and other minorities. Her key concern is how racism and unconscious bias continue to act as an accelerant of the pandemic.

As manager of the Southern Nevada Health District’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Maria Azzarelli works with local governments and community partners to prevent chronic disease — something that impacts and kills some demographic groups more than others.

The updates have become as commonplace as checking the weather app on your phone each morning.