In Tucson’s Latino communities, coronavirus didn’t create problems, it exposed existing ones

Luis Ibarra started feeling less energetic in February.

He thought it was a side effect of his diabetes medication. His doctor thought it was a stomach issue and prescribed him pills.

But the pain persisted, so the 42-year-old headed to the emergency room in May. Two hours later, the handyman’s worst fear was confirmed with a CAT scan: His seminoma cancer had returned.

He prepped for his chemotherapy, worried about his wife and their four kids.

Then a week later, he was hit with new symptoms — fever, chills, body aches and no sense of smell. He returned to the hospital and received a second diagnosis: COVID-19.