Children and families in the D.C. metropolitan area are languishing during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new national study.
The state-by-state study released Tuesday by the Save the Children organization found that the District ranked 42nd nationwide in terms of the study’s three major categories — childhood hunger, ease of remote learning and ability to meet financial obligations — WTOP reported Tuesday. Virginia ranked 11th and Maryland ranked 34th.
The study also found that 45% of D.C. families are in arrears with their rent.
A large number of District residents and Marylanders — 46.6% and 45%, respectively — generally had trouble paying bills.
While the study said two-thirds of U.S. families are having difficulty making ends meet during the pandemic, children and families in the Black and Latino communities, those in rural areas and low-income households are especially affected.
As far as food scarcity is concerned, both the District and Maryland report 22% of residents struggling in that category, according to the study.
The three D.C.-area jurisdictions had similar per capita coronavirus cases from Jan. 21 to Dec. 31, with the District having 4,075 coronavirus cases per 100,000. Maryland had 4,576 and Virginia posted 4,096.