Public services across Greater Essex, (Essex, Southend and Thurrock) have set up a task group to respond to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
National research and statistics show that:
- Men are much more likely to catch COVID-19 than women in all groups
- Black men are twice as likely to die of COVID-19 related causes than white men
- Bangladeshi and Pakistani men are 1.5 times more likely to die of COVID-19 related causes than white men
- Indian men are 1.6 times more likely to die of COVID-19 related causes than white men
- Black women are 1.4 times more likely to die of COVID-19 related causes than white women.
The task group of councils, health and emergency services, set up by Essex Resilience Forum and supported by Essex County Council, is working with BAME employee networks and faith and community organisations to identify and address local concerns and action that can be taken to reduce disparities in risks and outcomes.
It will share national guidance and recommendations, develop local guidance and targeted interventions as needed and may commission research.