It shows the peak of our systemic inequities that certain people can be tested so easily—and not just easily, but the tests that they’re getting seem to be from companies that have very quick turnarounds. My patients are waiting five to seven days to find out. So for five to seven days you’re asking someone to self-quarantine at home. Don’t go out. Minimize your exposure to other people.

And these people have jobs. One thing I have noticed is that a lot of my Black patients work for the city. They are essential employees. They’re bus drivers. They work for transit. They can’t really afford to be out of work anyway, and they still have to work. They don’t have the luxury of working remotely. Read the full interview with Dr. Uché Blackstock here