Thank you for being in touch.
The figures suggesting that people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill with Covid-19 are extremely concerning and trouble me greatly. The disproportionate impact has been recognised by my colleagues in Government and an urgent investigation was launched to improve understanding of the issue. Public Health England was commissioned to conduct thorough research into the matter so that swift action can be taken. The review has analysed how different factors – including ethnicity, gender and obesity – can impact on people’s health outcomes from COVID-19.
The report was published on 2nd June: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/889861/disparities_review.pdf
It is vital to find out why ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by the virus so that appropriate measures can be introduced to protect people at risk. I will continue to follow this issue extremely closely and will call on Government to take whatever action is required to save lives.
With best wishes
Neil