The Report Into Why BAME Communities Are More Likely To Die From Covid-19 Has Been Released

The review into why black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities are more likely to die from Covid-19 has been released this morning following backlash after an initial delay meant there was not set publication date on the review.

The report by the Department of Health and Social Care was commissioned to analyse how factors such as ethnicity, obesity and gender can impact someone’s vulnerability to Covid-19. This comes after reports that deaths among BAME communities were disproportionately high.

The review has found that Covid-19 death rates were highest among people of Black and Asian ethnic groups when compared to white British ethnicity. People of Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, other Asian, Caribbean and other Black ethnicity had between a 10% and 50% higher risk of death when compared to white British.

'An analysis of survival among confirmed COVID-19 cases and using more detailed ethnic groups, shows that after accounting for the effect of sex, age, deprivation and region, people of Bangladeshi ethnicity had around twice the risk of death than people of White British ethnicity,' the report added.

The analysis on ethnicity did not consider a person's occupation or obesity, even though both of these are known risk factors for getting seriously ill with coronavirus.

Overall, the report showed the biggest risk factor is age, with people aged 80 or older 70 times more likely to die than those under 40. Being male is another risk, with working-age men twice as likely to die as women. The risk of dying is also higher among those living in more deprived areas of the UK.

However, when it comes to ethnicity, while the review gives us specific figures on the risks for BAME people, it still doesn't explain why BAME communities are more likely to die from Covid-19. A note in the research does state that more work is needed to understand and advise people on the risk, but it was understood that this review would provide some clarity on why.

'People are understandably angry about injustices and as Health Secretary I feel a deep responsibility because this pandemic has exposed huge disparities in the health of our nation,' Matt Hancock told the House of Commons. 'It is very clear that some people are significantly more vulnerable to Covid-19 and this is something I'm determined to understand in full and take action to address.'

Earlier today, government sources told Sky News that the report was being delayed because of the current protests around the death of George Floyd, police brutality and systemic racism.

‘It is unacceptable that this review should be delayed without a given date for its publication. BAME communities need answers,’ said Marsha de Cordova, the shadow women and equalities secretary.

Sky News, who cited an unnamed government source, said the review has been pushed back because of ‘worries’ around ‘current events’. They said it had been pushed because the release would be in ‘close proximity to the current situation in America’ and would be a ‘bad combination’ if released while tensions are so high.

The DHSC denied this, confirming the report would be released this week. ‘Ministers received initial findings [on Monday],’ a spokesperson said. ‘They are being rapidly considered and a report will be published this week. It is not true to say this has been delayed due to global events.’

When it comes to understanding why BAME deaths are so much higher from Covid-19, you can pressure the government into better researching it by writing to your MP. You can find their constituency email online and demand they commission more research. Ask what steps will be taken to protect BAME communities from Covid-19, particularly in response to the ongoing protests around the country.

Anyone can write to their MP, regardless of whether they’re registered to vote or not, or you can use platforms like WriteToThem which help you find your MP, write a message and send it to make it as easy as possible.

Now is not the time to shy away from the uncomfortable truths, now is the time to demand accountability and action to tackle the endless racism BAME communities face every day.

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