The fallout associated with the global COVID-19 Pandemic is just beginning to reveal itself. Recently, The Healthy Equity Advisory Group found that the COVID-19-positive-case-rate is three times higher for Black and Latino populations, which primarily live in post-industrial Gateway Cities. One reason for this is that many of the essential, but high-risk, industries like healthcare, transportation, and grocery stores rely on Black and Latino workers. White collar jobs, on the other hand, have a disproportionately high White workforce  and can more easily transition to remote-work, making them lower-risk.

As unemployment data get released, it’s apparent that the economic backlash has impacted Black and Latino populations the hardest (1, 2). This national trend is playing out locally: the three Gateway Cities in the Merrimack Valley, Lawrence, Methuen, and Haverhill, have the three highest unemployment rates at 29%, 20%, and 19%. A few of the reasons for these high unemployment numbers are the fact that Gateway City residents make up a large percentage of the workforce for heavily impacted industries like restaurants and retail. As recovery programs are implemented, it’s imperative that they address and remediate the slow-moving disasters, like persistent racial and economic inequality as well as immediate health and economic repercussions. Doing so will build a more healthy and resilient region.

The graphic above provides a snapshot of unemployment levels in the Merrimack Valley. For additional data, check out our Economic Development viewer.

Data Source: Commonwealth of Massachusetts Labor Market Information