 The COVID-19 pandemic has been characterized by stark racial and ethnic disparities in both incidents and mortality. These disparities have been attributed to structural factors such as socio-economic status, housing conditions, and access to health care. In Illinois, black and Hispanic Latins populations had higher rates of COVID-19 cases and deaths than their white peers, even when controlling for age and geographic location. Additionally, the majority of these disparities were due to differences in incidents rather than case fatality ratio. Therefore, it is important to consider structural factors in order to reduce these disparities and improve population health. This article was authored by Tobias M. Holden, Melissa A. Simon, Damon T. Arnold, and others.