LONDON
ASSEMBLY
LABOUR
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News release
22.05.2020
For immediate use
Local Assembly Member calls for action on disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on BAME communities
At today’s Mayor’s Question Time, Dr Onkar Sahota AM, asked Sadiq Khan about the disproportionate impact that the Covid-19 outbreak is having on BAME communities across the capital.
Dr Sahota’s questioning came in the wake of the latest statistics from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) revealing that death rates for black men and women are twice those of white people. Figures also show that the risk for people from Asian backgrounds is between 30% and 80% higher.
Responding to Dr Sahota, the Mayor observed that the pandemic is “not a great leveller” and welcomed Public Health England’s commitment to review the reasons behind the disparities in the mortality rates for each ethnic background.
He confirmed that he is also urging the Equalities and Human Rights Commission to launch its own investigation to look at the underlying causes from a wider perspective.
The Mayor also alluded to fact that those from minority ethnic backgrounds could be more vulnerable to infection as they are typically more likely to work in lower paid jobs, live in overcrowded accommodation and have underlying health conditions.
Dr Sahota and the Mayor also discussed the role that an effective system of testing and tracing should play in preventing a second outbreak. They agreed upon the need for the Government to now seize the opportunity to roll this out in London, with the infection rate currently declining.
The Mayor also reiterated that data collection is key in tackling the pandemic, and that he has lobbied the Government to include an ethnicity category on death certificates.
Local London Assembly Member, Onkar Sahota AM, said:
“The Covid-19 outbreak has brought into even sharper relief the deep health inequalities that blight our capital.
“I am pleased that, like me, the Mayor is committed to addressing the underlying factors behind the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on BAME communities.
“Obtaining these answers is the only way that we can prevent a second outbreak and work towards tackling the social injustices that have led to such tragic consequences for too many Londoners.
“There are also many other pragmatic actions we can take right now. With lives at stake, the Government must seize the current opportunity to implement an effective track and trace system in London.”
ENDS