COVID-19 has made it clear that the success of the region’s economy depends on the health of its residents. Soon after COVID cases started to rise in Washington, unemployment also rose as the economy was forced to shut down.
The Washington State Department of Health has been compiling data on who has tested positive for COVID-19. Their data show that the virus has impacted some populations more than others.
Hispanic Washingtonians make up 13% of the state population but have accounted for 29% of recorded COVID cases that include race and ethnicity data. According to the data, white and Asian residents have contracted COVID at rates lower than their makeup of the state population, while Black and American Indian or Alaska Native residents have contracted the virus at disproportionally higher rates.
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The new Regional Economic Strategy will work to address environment and health issues, calling for the region to work to ensure a healthy population by strengthening public health systems and protecting and expanding access to the natural environment, with emphasis on addressing current and historical inequities.
Find out more about the Regional Economic Strategy and give input on our website.