Ferrer also noted the socioeconomic consequences of Covid-19 in LA County, stating that the death rate among those living in areas with the fewest resources is now four times higher than those living in the most prosperous. "The widening gaps are a stark reminder that many of our essential workers are Black and Brown, and many are not able to telework or stay home," she said. "Many work at jobs with low wages, and many live in under-resourced neighborhoods. During the surge all our essential workers are taking on increased risk at their jobs because community transmission rates are so high." A recent UC Berkeley Labor Center analysis highlights the millions of Californians who were considered essential workers during the earlier portions of the pandemic. While parts of California are some of the wealthiest in the nation, poverty still affects a wide number of residents. A 2019 Census Bureau study found that, when accounting for additional expenditures and adjusted costs of living, nearly 1 in 5 Californians lived in functional poverty. The percentage was the highest rate in the nation among states. https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/users/136215 https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/users/136217 https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/users/136218 https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/users/136219 https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/users/136220 https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/users/136221 https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/users/136222 https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/users/136223 https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/users/136224 https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/users/136225 https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/users/136227