White Americans who learned that non-Whites were disproportionately affected were found to express less concern about the coronavirus, said the report.

Black people were being hospitalized and dying of COVID-19 at higher rates than White people. States and cities began capturing and sharing data on the racial disparity, reinforcing the extent of the problem, according to the report.

A research team led by Allison L. Skinner-Dorkenoo of the University of Georgia found that "informing White US residents of COVID-19 racial disparities can reduce fear, empathy, and support for COVID-19 safety precautions," said the report.