Even if the Chinese government bears responsibility for the pandemic, it’s racist and nonsensical for people to target Asian Americans. “We’re not bringing you the virus,” said Lee, who recalled strangers on the street spitting on her twice in the last year. “We are literally trying to help you get rid of the virus.” People of Asian and Pacific Islander descent make up about 6% to 8% of the U.S. population but a greater share of some healthcare professions, including around 20% of non-surgeon physicians and pharmacists and 12% to 15% of surgeons, physical therapists and physician assistants, according to federal statistics.