US News: Why COVID-19 Is a Disaster for Detroit

AS COVID-19 CONTINUES to wreak havoc around the world, in recent days Detroit – the nation's poorest big city, and among its unhealthiest – has emerged as one of the United States' major epicenters: As of Wednesday afternoon, the iconic industrial hub, with a population of some 670,000, counted over 5,824 confirmed cases and 251 deaths, representing the largest caseload outside of the East Coast.

The outbreak has ravaged the city's police department and may have claimed the life of a state representative from Detroit. It's also drawn the attention of Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government's foremost infectious disease expert, who as far back as March 30 warned the city was "starting to show some signs that they're gonna take off."

Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is a public health expert and former epidemiology professor who in 2015 was appointed executive director of the Detroit Health Department, which had been gutted and privatized as part of the city's notorious municipal bankruptcy in 2013.

After leaving the position in 2017, El-Sayed launched to national prominence with a progressive gubernatorial campaign that earned the endorsement of Sen. Bernie Sanders. He currently serves as the chair of Southpaw Michigan, a progressive political action committee, and hosts a health-focused podcast. He also recently released the book "Healing Politics."

In early April, U.S. News reached El-Sayed in Shelby Township, Michigan, where he was under lockdown with his family, to talk about why Detroit is particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus. The following interview has been edited for length and clarity….

Continue at https://www.usnews.com/news/cities/articles/2020-04-08/why-coronavirus-is-a-disaster-for-detroit