To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the remarks by the Chair of the Council of the British Medical Association that further action is needed to protect BAME communities in the event of a rise in COVID-19 cases.
Answered on
14 December 2020
On 22 October, the Minister for Equalities, (Kemi Badenoch MP) published Quarterly report on progress to address COVID-19 health inequalities to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on progress to tackle COVID-19 disparities experienced by individuals from an ethnic minority background. The report made 13 recommendations. This includes reviewing the effectiveness and impact of current actions being undertaken by relevant Government departments to directly lessen disparities in infection and death rates of COVID-19. As well as taking action to modify existing policy and policy in development, to address these disparities. All of which the Prime Minister has accepted. A copy of the report is attached.
Across the NHS Test and Trace service there is ongoing work to better understand the needs of the most vulnerable. We are working with local and national organisations and directly with highest risk communities to increase understanding of the barriers to the service, and changes that need to be made to increase access and reduce inequalities.