COVID-19 News
  • New research offers further evidence that Black and Latine people have experienced disproportionate impacts of COVID-19: In the second year of the pandemic that included the  Delta and Omicron waves, Black and Latine people living in the rural United States died at far higher rates than their white counterparts, and the death rates in rural areas were substantially higher than those of urban areas for Black, Hispanic, and white people.
  • On July 23, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the MPV virus, also known as “monkeypox,” to be a “public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).”  In doing so, the WHO has activated its highest level of alert, which is intended to spur a coordinated, international response and collaboration around resources like vaccines and treatments.  Currently, the risk of contracting the virus is considered to be “high” in Europe and “moderate” elsewhere, including in the Americas.  Visit the CDC’s web page on monkeypox for frequently-asked questions and prevention information, including vaccine availability and access.As a reminder, we use MPV instead of monkeypox in this weekly update because of concerns that the term monkeypox contributes to the stigmatization of communities of color and LGBTQ+ communities. Last week, the Commissioner of Health for NYC wrote a letter asking WHO to officially change the name of the virus.
  • Did you know that July 30 was National Whistleblower Appreciation Day? National Whistleblower Appreciation Day honors workers who speak up to ensure safer and more just conditions, and the U.S. Department of Labor affirmed its commitment to protecting workers who speak up, regardless of immigration status.Learn more about workers’ rights and the laws and rules that protect them here. To learn more about the Department of Labor’s new process for protecting workers who fear reprisals because of their immigration status, check out this recent blog on Contratados.org in Spanish & English.
  • A new report by the American Immigration Council points to the vital role of immigrants in the meat and dairy industries, particularly during the pandemic and related labor shortages.
Do you work in a meatpacking or poultry plant? Learn about the program that protects you from COVID-19 by reading our bilingual blog at Contratados.org – read the blog in English or Spanish.

Download the video in Spanish and English.

Download the audio in Spanish and English.

Opportunities

  • This week, we’ve got two North Carolina-based job opportunities!

    • The North Carolina Farmworker Health Program is hiring a Special Projects Coordinator who will build on existing digital inclusion and internet connectivity efforts.

    • LATIN-19, a coalition founded at the beginning of the pandemic to address the health needs of the Latina community in the Durham area, is hiring a Project Planner.

State Level Data Overview

COVID-19 vaccination rates by state

COVID-19 case rates per 100K people by state

State Snapshots

Delaware

  • One of our PPP Partners, Love and Hope Rescue Mission, will be participating in a Community Health Fair this Saturday, August 6 in partnership with TAC Sisters Network DC! The Community Health Fair will be from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Apostolic Church, Delaware Central. Download and share the flyer.

COVID-19 vaccination rates by county

COVID-19 case rates per 100K people by county

Maryland

  • On Wednesdays in August, the Dorchester County Health Departments will host Teddy Bear Clinics! Teddy Bear Clinics are an opportunity for children and families to become more familiar and comfortable with the clinical services offered by the health department. Children can bring a stuffed animal for a “check-up,” and a limited supply of stuffed animals will be available for children who do not have a stuffed animal to bring. Children’s vaccines, both routine & COVID-19 vaccinations, will also be available. To attend a Teddy Bear Clinic, check out this bilingual schedule.

COVID-19 vaccination rates by county

COVID-19 case rates per 100K people by county

Virginia

  • The Virginia Department of Health has fact sheets available in multiple languages (Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Dari, Korean, Pashto, & Tagalog) on their website for COVID-19 treatments. Scroll to the bottom of the page to download fact sheets about:

    • EVUSHIELD – a preventative injection for immunocompromised individuals or those who cannot be vaccinated due to a history of serious reactions to COVID-19 vaccines or their components

    • Monoclonal antibodies – an infusion for treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 illness

    • Paxlovid – antiviral pills for treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 illness

COVID-19 vaccination rates by county

COVID-19 case rates per 100K people by county

North Carolina

  • Novavax COVID-19 vaccines will soon be available to North Carolinians ages 18 years and older through local health departments. Local health departments are expected to have Novavax supplies the first week of August, and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human services recommends calling your provider, visiting MySpot.nc.gov, or calling ​​1-888-675-4567 to confirm Novavax availability.

COVID-19 vaccination rates by county

COVID-19 case rates per 100K people by county

South Carolina

  • In light of the first confirmed case of polio since 2013 in the U.S. that was reported last week, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) is encouraging all South Carolinians, adults and children, to stay up-to-date on routine vaccinations. To find a provider who offers routine vaccinations for adults or children, use SDHEC’s vaccine finder.

COVID-19 vaccination rates by county

COVID-19 case rates per 100K people by county

Georgia

  • The Latino Community Fund, in partnership with GALEO, launched a bilingual, English & Spanish voter education website that allows Georgians to learn about the candidates who will appear on their ballots in November.

COVID-19 vaccination rates by county

COVID-19 case rates per 100K people by county
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