The state of New York said it will prioritize non-White people in the distribution of COVID-19 treatments in short supply.
New York’s Department of Health released a document detailing its plan to distribute the treatments, such as monoclonal antibody treatment and antiviral pills.
The plan includes a section on eligibility for the scarce antiviral pills that people must meet to receive the treatment, including a line stating a person needs to have “a medical condition or other factors that increase their risk for severe illness.”
One such “risk factor” is being a race or ethnicity that is not White due to “longstanding systemic health and social inequities”
“Non-white race or Hispanic/Latino ethnicity should be considered a risk factor, as longstanding systemic health and social inequities have contributed to an increased risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19,” the memo reads.
NY State Department of Health warns they don't have enough Paxlovid or Monoclonal Antibody Treatment and white people need not apply. https://t.co/shbMWDomLJ pic.twitter.com/MwBtjv2pDx
— Karol Markowicz (@karol) December 31, 2021
The Empire State’s plan received backlash online for discriminating based on ethnicity and skin color.
There's a word for discrimination by skin color in medical treatment https://t.co/nk34rqZJWL
— Jim Hanson (@JimHansonDC) December 31, 2021
“Who issued this?” “Who actually wrote it and approved it?” “Did the Governor know?” All will be crucial questions. As will the reactions of the Governor, state AG and AG Garland. Question for them all: “Do you believe state action based in any way on race is constitutional?” https://t.co/Kl9Om5rE9c
— Hugh Hewitt (@hughhewitt) December 31, 2021
New York’s plan to distribute medical treatment on racial lines comes as the state sees a record number of COVID-19 cases.
Additionally, protests against the New York City vaccine mandate on Monday resulted in five people being arrested by police during a protest in a Burger King.
Similar protests against vaccine passports have erupted across Europe, with protesters criticizing governments for preventing the unvaccinated from living their lives normally.
The New York Department of Health did not immediately respond to Fox News’ request for comment.
Story cited here.