Nassau County launched a $450,000 study to examine the impact of the pandemic on minority communities.

The COVID-19 Disparity Study will focus on what residents experienced when trying to access coronavirus testing and vaccination appointments.

Issues rooted in systemic racism and disadvantages such as a lack of access to education, nutritious food and health care, as well as poverty and high rates of chronic disease will now get a closer look.

Two surveys will be taken in the study.

One is getting input from residents generally, and the other focused on nine communities with large minority populations.

The findings will be used to develop an action plan to help ensure that all Long Islanders, regardless of color, have an equal shot at health care.

The study is being funded from a block grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

It's expected to be completed by May 2022.

Nassau County officials have opened pop-up COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites in minority communities to try to address the disparities.