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Young people must realize they are not immune to COVID-19

Local 24 News political analyst and commentator Otis Sanford shares his point of view on the breakdown of COVID-19 cases in Shelby County.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Almost from the moment that the COVID-19 outbreak began to spread, we were told that the virus attacks older Americans more than younger ones – and more men than women. But in Memphis and Shelby County, it appears the opposite is true.

According to data from the Shelby County Health Department as of Saturday, 51.3% of cases in the county involved females, while 48.7% involved males. By comparison, in metro Nashville, men who have tested positive for COVID-19 are 3% higher than women.

The breakdown by age in Shelby County is even more surprising. 19%of known cases involve people age 25 to 34. Those who are age 35 to 44 make up 18% of cases. And ages 45 to 54 make up 17%. Cases among people age 65 to 84 represent just over 12%.

Where Shelby County does mirror the rest of the state and nation is with race. An astounding 68% of confirmed cases locally are African Americans. 23% are white.

What these numbers tell us is that younger black women are more susceptible to the virus in Memphis than first thought, although men far outnumber women in coronavirus deaths. These numbers also show younger men – and women – are not protecting themselves well enough.

COVID-19 is still a menace. And young people must realize they are not immune to the disease. And that’s my point of view.

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