Black Americans have more existing medical issues, less access to health care, and are more likely to work in unstable jobs -- all factors that have made the coronavirus pandemic disproportionately hurt blacks more. 512 coronavirus deaths so far, more than 70 percent were African American patients, who make up just 32 percent of the state's population. Chicago, too, has seen similar numbers: Among those for whom race-ethnicity is known, 72% of the city's deaths have been among blacks, who make up just 30% of the city's population. Compared to white people, blacks have lower levels of health insurance coverage and are less likely to have insurance coverage through an employer.