Disproportionately Affected

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In Chicago, the highest number of COVID-19 deaths are in Black and Latino communities. This summer WBEZ’s Race, Class and Communities desk set out to speak with the relatives and caregivers of these victims from ZIP codes with the highest numbers of coronavirus-related infections and deaths. 

Join WBEZ’s Managing Editor, Tracy Brown, and the team of journalists who worked for months to tell the human stories behind the statistics. Hear how families attempted to navigate care for their loved ones and ultimately had to cope with the grief and guilt of losing them. Learn about what support is available to families, caregivers and health workers.  And share your own stories about how COVID-19 has impacted you.  

More about the story

50 Lives in 4 Zip Codes focuses on the stories behind 50 Chicago COVID-19 victims spread across 4 zip codes around the city.

The 60649 ZIP code comprises the mostly Black South Shore community.  As of August 8, it had the highest COVID-19 death rate in the city, with 123 people dead  — roughly 27 for every 10,000 residents, according to city of Chicago figures.

The 60623 ZIP code ecompasses the mostly Latino immigrant neighborhood of Little Village and the mostly Black neighborhood of North Lawndale. As of August 8, more than 450 per 10,000 residents had tested positive and 154 had died. 

The 60610 and 60611 ZIP codes comprise the Gold Coast and Streeterville area, predominantly white and affluent areas. As of August 8, these neighborhoods had one of the lowest COVID-19 death rates in the city.