On 2 June, the Government published its report -Disparities in the risk and outcomes of Covid-19. Read the full report here.
The report concluded that “the impact of Covid-19 has replicated existing health inequalities and, in some cases, has increased them.”
The report highlights the virus’ disproportionate impact on the BAME community. It found that people of Bangladeshi background face the greatest danger of dying from the disease, and are twice as likely to die from it compared to those from white British backgrounds. Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, Other Asian, Caribbean and Other Black ethnicities had between 10 and 50% greater risk of dying.
It also found that the highest diagnosis rates were found in black ethnic groups, and the lowest rates were found in white ethnic groups.
Rushanara was interviewed on ITV on this issue.
Commenting on the report, Rushanara Ali MP said:
"This report confirms what we already knew - that the most disadvantaged people in our society have a higher risk of death during this pandemic.
Tower Hamlets has one of the largest ethnic minority populations in the UK, including the largest British Bangladeshi community meaning that many families have been badly affected by this virus. Locally, we are doing everything we can together in partnership with the council, hospitals, GP surgeries, charities, community volunteers, mosques, churches, synagogues, and other faith organisations to protect people and save lives. Unfortunately, this is an uphill struggle. Tower Hamlets has the 4th worst age-standardised death rate in the country.
The Health Service Journal has reported that the Government removed a key section from this report, which included responses from thousands of organisations and individuals who supplied evidence. All sections of this vital report must be published, and not censored by the Government.
The findings from the report are crucial, yet, the Government has failed to set out the actions it will take to address the risks that BAME and other groups face.
As we ease out of lockdown, the Government must act immediately to protect those who are most at risk."
