In response to the publication of Public Health England’s report, Disparities in the risk and outcomes of COVID-19, Labour’s London Assembly Health Spokesperson, Dr Onkar Sahota AM, said:
“This report backs up the existing evidence that those from BAME communities are being disproportionately impacted by the Covid-19 outbreak. It should have been fronted up by the Prime Minister or the Health Secretary to give the crucial topic of health inequalities the weight it deserves.
“It’s also disappointing that PHE have not given the Government clear recommendations on the basis of the report’s findings. This report can only, therefore, be a starting point.
“More analysis is needed to draw together demographic factors with occupations and pre-existing health conditions.
“But we must not miss the wood for the trees. PHE are clear: poverty, overcrowding, and key-worker job roles are all linked to the higher infection and death rates for BAME people.
“We don’t need to know the exact statistical relations, to know that investment in housing, health and care services, and strong workplace safety regulations are needed now”.
ENDS