Oprah Winfrey has issued a stern warning about the “staggering” impact of the coronavirus on black Americans.
The TV host dedicated an episode of her Apple TV+ show Oprah Talks Covid-19 to the virus’s toll on the community.
She spoke to the Today show’s Hoda Kotb before the programme aired, saying during the remote segment: “One of the things we’re talking about in the special is the need for more testing stations, obviously.
“But most importantly I think it’s important for African Americans to understand for ourselves that this is so serious.
“It’s taking us out.”
Winfrey stressed that some people such as essential workers cannot stay at home, which is why they need access to protective equipment such as masks.
The latest Associated Press analysis of available state and local data shows that more than 30 per cent of those who have died from Covid-19 are African American, although black people make up roughly 13 per cent of the population in the areas covered in the analysis.
In her Apple TV+ special, the host spoke to several guests, including Reverend Marshall Hatch and his son, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, CNN’s Van Jones, Jennifer Hudson, and more.
Winfrey also discussed the episode on her Instagram account, telling followers in a video: “This coronavirus is shaking the world and taking a devastating toll on the African American community.
“I hope you’ll join me to understand why Covid-19 is having such a deadly impact on black America as I speak to leaders in our community and to family members who are having to bury their dead alone.”
The special is available to stream on Apple TV+ now.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
