Ohio State Senator Asks If 'Colored Population' More Vulnerable to Coronavirus Because They Don't Wash Their Hands Properly

An Ohio state senator asked during a discussion on race if the "colored population" had felt the impact of the coronavirus more because they did not wash their hands as frequently as people from other groups.

Sen. Steve Huffman, a Republican from Tipp City, who is an emergency room doctor, made the comments during a Ohio Senate Health Committee meeting on Tuesday in a discussion on whether to declare racism a public health crisis in the state, the Columbus Dispatch reported.

During an exchange on Tuesday with Angela Dawson, who is executive director of the Ohio Commission on Minority Health, Huffman said: "I understand that African Americans have a higher incidence of prior conditions and that makes them more susceptible to COVID.

"We know it's twice as often, correct? Could it just be that African Americans—the colored population—do not wash their hands as well as other groups? Or wear a mask? Or do not socially distance themselves? Could that just be maybe the explanation of why there's a higher incidence?" he said, according to the Dispatch.

Dawson replied: "That is not the opinion of leading medical experts in this country," adding that the disease impacts the respiratory system so those with chronic conditions are more vulnerable.

Ohio Legislative Black Caucus President, Stephanie Howse, who attended the hearing, said Huffman's comments implied that African Americans were not smart enough to wash their own hands and were an example of "what racism is from a systematic perspective."

"He's a full legislator but beyond that, professionally, he's a doctor. When we talk about the health disparities that happen because black folks aren't believed when they're actually hurt, they aren't given the treatment that they need.

"Do you think that someone who acknowledges the 'coloreds' is going to give the love and care that people need when they come through those doors?" Howse said, according to the Dayton Daily News.

State Sen. Cecil Thomas said the audience cringed when Huffman made the comment and described it as "an example of why we have to have this discussion about racism and how it impacts people."

In a statement to Newsweek, Huffman said: "Regrettably, I asked a question in an unintentionally awkward way that was perceived as hurtful and was exactly the opposite of what I meant.

"I was trying to focus on why COVID-19 affects people of color at a higher rate since we really do not know all the reasons."

John Fortney, spokesman for Senate President Larry Obhof, said: "I know the president addressed it by speaking with Senator Huffman and also talked with committee members," the Dispatch reported.

This story has been updated to include a media statement by Senator Huffman shared with Newsweek.