Pacific islanders in Utah facing heightened virus impact

Pacific islanders in Utah facing heightened virus impact

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — State data indicate the coronavirus outbreak has disproportionately impacted Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians living in Utah. The Salt Lake Tribune reported the groups make up 1.6% of Utah’s population but account for 3.8% of reported cases of COVID-19. State analysis indicates Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians have experienced the highest hospitalization rate among ethnic groups in Utah of 124.7 per 1,000 cases. The groups also have the second highest rate of confirmed cases at 1,537 per 100,000 people. Local health department figures show they have the highest rate of confirmed cases in Salt Lake County.