Labour has called this postponement ‘unacceptable’, as the report was due last month!
Government has today shocked BAME communities by announcing a delay to a PHE (Public Health England) review that looks at COVID-19 within British BAME (black, Asian and minority ethnic) communities, leading to many accusing ministers of not taking the threat seriously.
Shadow women and equalities minister Marsha de Cordova commented “It is unacceptable that this review should be delayed without a given date for its publication. BAME communities need answers”.
The report has looked at how ethnicity, obesity and gender can affect people’s vulnerability to Covid-19. The report was scheduled to be released at the end of May. No new date has been given for the release of the review.
Government and NHS professionals commissioned the review after reports that deaths among BAME communities abnormally higher than others. This review is important as it will show if BAME NHS workers were more likely to be put ‘in the firing line’ during the Coronavirus pandemic.
In May, health secretary Matt Hancock said the review was needed “We recognise that there has been a disproportionately high number of people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds who have passed away, especially among care workers and those in the NHS.”
On Monday night, the Department of Health and Social Care attempted to play down reports that the delay was down to official concerns of potential protests and civil disobedience. This news was released as Donald Trump ordered the US Army and Police to attack those protesting the death of George Floyd, who was killed by a white Minnesota police officer last week.
Source : https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/george-floyd