Coronavirus Pandemic hitting ethnic minorities the worst

[MenInG]

People from ethnic minority backgrounds in Britain "face greater barriers" when trying to protect themselves from coronavirus, according to a new report.

The Runnymede Trust, a race equality think-tank, said Bangladeshi and black African people were most vulnerable, citing a survey of 2,585 adults in Great Britain.

Ethnic minorities are more likely to live in multigenerational households, which can reduce the ability to self-isolate and shield from the virus.

Bangladeshi, Pakistani and black African groups are said to be the most likely to live in "overcrowded housing".

And more than a quarter of people from BAME backgrounds classified themselves as a "key worker" (28%), compared with 23% of white British people questioned in the same survey.

 

[MenInG]

US House condemns racism against Asian Americans

The United States House of Representatives voted to condemn racism against Asian Americans tied to the coronavirus outbreak, approving a Democratic resolution on a mostly party-line vote.

Republicans called the legislation an election-year effort to criticise President Donald Trump and "woke culture on steroids".

The resolution, approved 243-164, calls on all public officials to condemn anti-Asian sentiment and to investigate hate crimes after a rise in aggression and violence from those blaming people of Asian descent for the pandemic.

The measure does not name Trump but notes inflammatory terms used by him and other Republicans - including "Chinese Virus," "Wuhan Virus," and "Kung flu" - and says they have perpetuated an anti-Asian stigma.

 

[The Viper]

Coronavirus: Black people at almost twice the risk of dying from COVID-19, report warns

Black people are at almost twice the risk of dying from COVID-19 than white people, according to a new study commissioned by London's mayor.

Sadiq Khan is urging the government to tackle the inequalities which have led to Londoners experiencing a disproportionate impact of coronavirus after the independent report highlighted the uneven effect in relation to factors such as ethnicity and gender.

It comes as cases continue to surge in the capital, with a spokesperson for Mr Khan warning last week London was at a "very worrying tipping point" and "immediate action" was needed to regain control of the spread.

Mr Khan said the report proved COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on "disabled Londoners, people in areas of high deprivation and those from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds".

"It is simply not right for ministers to say they will do 'whatever it takes' to mitigate the effects of the coronavirus crisis but then stand by as whole sectors of our society find their lives and their livelihoods at risk," he said.

"I urge ministers to invest in our communities and the organisations supporting those most at risk, to ensure that accessible health guidance is available to all and, as case numbers are rising again, that there is adequate support in place for those who've lost their jobs, had their hours cut or been forced to self-isolate."

The report was conducted by researchers from the University of Manchester and analysed data from local and national sources to assess the impact of the pandemic on people with characteristics protected by law.

It found black people were 1.9 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than white people, with the disparity partly due to long-standing socio-economic inequalities as well as the over-representation of black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people in careers such as health and social care - professions more susceptible to exposure to the virus.

It also discovered men were more likely to die from COVID-19, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, but that women had experienced disproportionate economic, social and psychological impacts, with mothers 47% more likely to have lost or resigned from their jobs than fathers.

Among the report's other revelations was that death rates for men in lower-paid, manual roles were three times higher than those in management, business and desk-based jobs.

https://news.sky.com/story/coronavi...-19-report-warns-12086507?dcmp=snt-sf-twitter

 

[Firebat]

UK Covid death rate higher in ethnic minority communities

The rate of death involving Covid-19 is higher in ethnic minority communities and cannot be explained by underlying health conditions, according to the Office for National Statistics.

The ONS analysis looked at the number of people in each community in England and Wales whose death involved Covid-19 up until 28 July.

It cannot say whether the increased risk is due to susceptibility to serious complications or the risk of being exposed to the virus.

All ethnic minority groups other than people from a Chinese background had a higher rate of death involving Covid-19 than the white population.

Significant differences remained after accounting for factors such as age, where people lived, and some measures of health and wealth.

This new analysis adjusted for health – as measured by being seen in hospital for underlying health conditions - in addition to the factors examined previously (age, where people live, some measures of wealth/deprivation and health as reported in the 2011 Census).

The figures quoted below are simple differences in the death rates between communities and are not adjusted for these factors:

Black African, black Caribbean, Bangladeshi and Pakistani women were nearly twice as likely as white women to have died with Covid-19

Black African, black Caribbean and Bangladeshi men were more than twice as likely (and Pakistani men nearly twice as likely) as white men to have died with Covid-19

Men and women from Indian mixed-ethnicity communities were roughly between 50% and 75% more likely to die with Covid-19 than their white counterparts

 

[The Viper]

Coronavirus: Human rights watchdog investigating impact of COVID-19 on BAME healthcare workers

Britain's human rights watchdog is investigating the impact of coronavirus on black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) healthcare workers.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said it will consider the "structural issues which have left people from a range of ethnic minorities at greater risk" from coronavirus across England, Scotland and Wales.

It comes after a study commissioned by London mayor Sadiq Khan last month found that black people are at almost twice the risk of dying from COVID-19 as their white counterparts.

Research published by the Resolution Foundation think tank last month showed that around 22% of BAME workers who had been supported by government subsidies were unemployed in September, compared with a figure for the general population, which stood at 9%.

EHRC chief executive Rebecca Hilsenrath said the inquiry would help to answer questions about racial inequality "and make recommendations that can be applied to a number of other working environments where ethnic minorities are over-represented at the lowest-paid levels".

"This includes those on the front line who have been supporting all of us through the immense challenges we have faced this year," she added.

A call for evidence is set to be announced in the coming weeks, along with more information about an external advisory group, which will guide the investigation.

https://news.sky.com/story/coronavi...althcare-workers-12124228?dcmp=snt-sf-twitter

 

[The Viper]

Coronavirus: Son of COVID victim says his father could have been saved

"Your grandfather died of COVID-19 which could have been stopped and could have been controlled."

This is a message Aamar Khan will have to give to his children after their "kind and perfect" grandfather became a victim of the coronavirus second wave.

Mukhtar Ahmed Khan, 67, was described by his son as a "genuine guy who would go out of his way to help people".

"He was a fantastic geezer that everyone in the community loved. I'm really proud of him, it's just so sad we've lost him to COVID-19," his son added.

The businessman, originally from Pakistan, died on October 31 after contracting the disease and spending time in intensive care, but his son told Sky News he believed more should have been done to protect him because his ethnicity meant he was at greater risk.

Aamar said: "There needs to be more community messaging from the government, letting us know that we need to take extra care and more precautions.

"Something like posters, letting us know we need to work together by staying at home, staying indoors and wearing a mask. It would help save lives."

Earlier this year government's findings concluded that being from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background during the pandemic was a "major risk factor", but many are questioning what actions have been implemented to help protect people from the coronavirus, especially in this second wave.

Dr Raghib Ali is a frontline doctor advising the government on ethnicity and COVID-19, and said he believed there had been changes to protect these communities since the first wave of the pandemic.

He said: "We have an individual risk calculator where everyone can figure out what their own risk is; based on their age, their ethnicity, their occupation, where they live and any conditions they have, like obesity or diabetes.

"This means everyone can work out what is their risk by not overestimating it and therefore panicking and they don't underestimate and therefore don't take the right precautions. I know the government are trying to roll these out as quick as possible."

Dr Ali believes ethnic minorities need to comply during the second national lockdown to protect themselves from the virus.

Aamar said he had a "glimmer of hope" that his father would survive the disease because he was "fit and healthy and had never been to hospital before".

But he admitted he also knew the impact this virus was having on the community and the particularly disproportionate impact it had had on people in the UK of south Asian descent.

"This has broken our family's hearts," he said.

"You don't realise the effects of this virus until you lose your own family member. You realise it is really serious and right now the rules aren't helping us in any way - more lives will be lost.

"The grandkids loved him, he used to play with them so much, but now I have to tell them when they grow up, 'your grandfather died of coronavirus which could have been stopped and could have been controlled', and now we've got to bear the pain."

On Thursday, the UK's human rights watchdog began its inquiry into the impact the virus has had on ethnic minorities, but as this takes place there are increased concerns the second national lockdown will also hurt this community economically and psychologically.

https://news.sky.com/story/coronavi...-have-been-saved-12125300?dcmp=snt-sf-twitter

 

[Firebat]

Black people 'twice as likely to catch coronavirus'

Black people are twice as likely as white people to catch the coronavirus, a study of 18 million people suggests.

The research also indicates Asian people are 1.5 times more likely than white people to be infected - and may be more likely to need intensive care.

Researchers say their findings are of "urgent public-health importance" and raise questions about how vaccines will be prioritised within at-risk groups.

The work, in EClinical Medicine, adds support to other studies' findings.

'Structural discrimination'

There has been mounting evidence people belonging to ethnic minorities are at greater risk from Covid-19.

But whether the risks centre around a higher likelihood of catching the disease or of developing more severe illness from the virus is not fully understood.

The researchers at the universities of Leicester and Nottingham looked at data from eight UK and 42 US studies.

Some tentative evidence suggests Asian people may be at higher risk of death than other groups, they found.

But lead researcher Dr Manish Pareek said there was little evidence the risks were driven by genetic factors.

People belonging to ethnic minorities were more likely to work in front-line roles and live in large households with several generations, he added.

Fellow lead researcher Dr Shirley Sze said: "The clear evidence of increased risk of infection among ethnic minority groups is of urgent public health importance.

"We must work to minimise exposure to the virus in these at-risk groups by facilitating their timely access to healthcare resources and target the social and structural disparities that contribute to health inequalities."

The researchers suggest "racism and structural discrimination may also contribute to an increased risk of worse clinical outcomes within ethnic minority communities".

It comes after a scientific adviser to the government suggested racism did not explain the increased risk to people belonging to ethnic minorities.

Dr Raghib Ali said ethnicity should no longer be used to judge whether people were at greater risk from the virus.

And focusing on underlying factors, such as jobs and housing, would help more people overall.

https://www.bbc.com/news/health-54907473

 

[MenInG]

Whitty: Black people worse affected by COVID in first wave than second

Asked about what the experts have learned about the greater impact of coronavirus on people from BAME community, Sir Patrick Vallance said inequalities were first identified in April.

Professor Whitty pointed out that in the first wave, people of black African and Caribbean heritage were unfairly impacted by the virus – as well as people from South Asian communities.

But in the second wave, black British people were less badly affected and British Pakistani people greater affected.

"This is for reasons we don't fully understand," he said.

 

[Saj]

What I am encountering quite often is Asian people ignoring the guidelines regarding the various tiers and flouting the rules and laws.

They know the rules regarding mixing with other households, travelling within the country and travelling abroad, but think they are above those rules and guidelines and just carry on as normal and ignore the protocols.

Then they wonder why they test positive and pass on the virus to others and BAME numbers are so high.

Ignorant and foolish behaviour.

 

[Bewal Express]

What I am encountering quite often is Asian people ignoring the guidelines regarding the various tiers and flouting the rules and laws.

They know the rules regarding mixing with other households, travelling within the country and travelling abroad, but think they are above those rules and guidelines and just carry on as normal and ignore the protocols.

Then they wonder why they test positive and pass on the virus to others and BAME numbers are so high.

Ignorant and foolish behaviour.

Its all halal. The statistics are used by Minorities to accuse the govt of institutional racism but not tobeducste dumb idiots.

 

[Saj]

Its all halal. The statistics are used by Minorities to accuse the govt of institutional racism but not tobeducste dumb idiots.

And this is my point.

Ignorant people who only care about themselves and not the welfare of others.

As long as they are alright, despite breaking the law and not following guidelines, they don't give a damn.

 

[Pakpak]

Its all halal. The statistics are used by Minorities to accuse the govt of institutional racism but not tobeducste dumb idiots.

And this is my point.

Ignorant people who only care about themselves and not the welfare of others.

As long as they are alright, despite breaking the law and not following guidelines, they don't give a damn.

If only people can see the NHS hospitals right now where we have had to close and shut down wards from other specialities because there are so many patients from covid and there is a strain on resources. And sadly there is a big amount of patients who are in their 30s and 40s. Boris can be a joke but what is not a joke is that the NHS would be overwhelmed if there continues to be a stream of patients.

Everyone I know has had covid from my wife to brother to cousins, we have deaths in family here. I have had deaths in friends families. I'm flabbergasted why people think it's still banter.

I saw Boris's address, the vaccine is finally being rolled out to elderly, NHS and healthcare staff and people vulnerable so this is a good start.

 

[Bewal Express]

If only people can see the NHS hospitals right now where we have had to close and shut down wards from other specialities because there are so many patients from covid and there is a strain on resources. And sadly there is a big amount of patients who are in their 30s and 40s. Boris can be a joke but what is not a joke is that the NHS would be overwhelmed if there continues to be a stream of patients.

Everyone I know has had covid from my wife to brother to cousins, we have deaths in family here. I have had deaths in friends families. I'm flabbergasted why people think it's still banter.

I saw Boris's address, the vaccine is finally being rolled out to elderly, NHS and healthcare staff and people vulnerable so this is a good start.

Tbh its all communities but ours are particularly susceptible to Whats App and FB disinformation. I can guage desi mindset by speaking to my brother and he gets lots of information from these sources. We had some deaths in the community and you would think that puri would be cancelled, not a bit of it. People come miles away and no thought aa to the dangers as long as the panji is kept going.

 

[Pakpak]

Tbh its all communities but ours are particularly susceptible to Whats App and FB disinformation. I can guage desi mindset by speaking to my brother and he gets lots of information from these sources. We had some deaths in the community and you would think that puri would be cancelled, not a bit of it. People come miles away and no thought aa to the dangers as long as the panji is kept going.

You're completely right. I'm also surprised by the same nonsense in non desi communities too. Governments can only do things upto a certain point but if people think it's banter then what can anyone say.

 

[The Viper]

People from minority ethnic backgrounds are far less likely to take the coronavirus vaccine, according to documents from the government's scientific advisers.

An undated document released by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) found vaccine hesitancy was highest in Black or Black British groups, with 72% stating they were unlikely/very unlikely to get the jab.

Pakistani/Bangladeshi groups were the next most hesitant, with 42% unlikely/very unlikely to be vaccinated.

Other White ethnic groups, including Eastern European communities, also had higher levels of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy than White UK/White Irish ethnicity.

Among the barriers to the vaccine uptake are the perception of risk, low confidence in the jab, and lack of endorsement from trusted providers and community leaders, the paper said.

It said to overcome the barriers, "multilingual, non-stigmatising communications should be produced and shared".

These would include "vaccine offers and endorsements from trusted sources to increase awareness and understanding and to address different religious and cultural concerns".

Leeds-based Imam Qari Asim, who is chair of the Mosque and Imams National Advisory Board, is running a campaign to encourage Muslim communities to take the coronavirus vaccine and dispel some of the myths around the procedure.

He cited misinformation being spread by far-right groups, as well as religious concerns that the vaccine might contain gelatine or other animal products and is not halal - or that it can result in modification of DNA.

Around 100 mosques are using Friday prayers to raise COVID awareness and dispel myths around vaccinations.

Imam Asim said: "Misinformation can result in someone losing their life and it is one of the core principles of Islam that protection of life is extremely important.

"My message to Muslim communities is that it is our ethical obligation, moral duty to take the vaccine whenever the opportunity arises.

"Don't miss the opportunity to take the vaccine and save lives."

He said Muslim scholars, as well as medical experts, have looked into concerns from their communities but are "confident" the vaccine is permissible under Islamic law.

https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19...ccine-sage-finds-12189151?dcmp=snt-sf-twitter

 

[The Viper]

UK imams, influencers counter COVID vaccine misinformation

Imams across the United Kingdom are helping a drive to dispel coronavirus misinformation, using Friday sermons and their influential standing within Muslim communities to argue that COVID-19 vaccines are safe.

Qari Asim, chairman of the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board (MINAB) which is leading a campaign to reassure its faithful, is among those publicly advocating that the inoculations are compatible with Islamic practices.

“We are confident that the two vaccines that have been used in the UK, Oxford Astra-Zeneca and Pfizer, are permissible from an Islamic perspective,” he told the AFP news agency.

“The hesitancy, the anxiety (and) concern is driven by misinformation, conspiracy theories, fake news and rumours.”

The United Kingdom, the hardest-hit country in Europe by the virus after registering nearly 95,000 deaths, is relying on its biggest-ever vaccination effort to end repeated cycles of lockdowns and restrictions.

However, a report from the scientific committee advising the government showed stronger mistrust of vaccines among ethnic minorities than the rest of the UK population.

It highlighted that 72 percent of Black survey respondents were unlikely or very unlikely to get the vaccine.

Among those from Pakistani or Bangladeshi backgrounds, the figure was 42 percent.

Misinformation around the coronavirus is all the more dangerous given several studies have shown that it can affect minorities disproportionately.

Al Jazeera’s Neave Barker, reporting from the UK, said it was a growing concern for the British government, who wants to offer a first dose to every adult in the country by September.

“So, those disproportionately at risk of contracting and becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 are among those least likely to be vaccinated,” Barker said.

Imams are pushing back in particular at unfounded fears among the UK’s estimated 2.8 million Muslims that the vaccines contain pork gelatin or alcohol, which are banned by Islam.

“And then there’s other myths being peddled common to all society – like the claim that coronavirus is spread via the 5G network or the vaccine can cause infertility or fundamentally change your DNA,” Imran Kauser from the British Islamic Medical Association told Al Jazeera.

“Of course I’d like to point out that all of these are false … there’s no truth in any of them.”

Messages in Urdu
Nighat Arif, a general practitioner based in Chesham, near London, told AFP: “Ethnic minorities are precisely the communities we should be trying to target.”

When she received her vaccination, she posted a video in Urdu on social media aimed at the language’s speakers living in the UK.

“I’m hoping that because they see someone who looks like them, who is a practising Muslim, wears a hijab, someone who is Asian who speaks their language, that’s more relatable than something that’s coming through from the government,” she added.

Arif is still surprised by the refusal of certain patients to be inoculated, noting they will often get vaccinated to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia or to visit Pakistan or India.

She blames conspiracy theories spread online, which contribute to the science behind the process “being lost”.

Samara Afzal, 34, a general practitioner at Netherton Health Centre in Dudley in the West Midlands, also shared a video in Urdu with her 35,000 Twitter followers to “debunk some myths”.

She said some people had asked her to send the video directly to them so they could forward it to sceptical loved ones via social tools like WhatsApp.

At her medical centre, Afzal estimates that approximately 40 to 50 people out of 1,000 have refused to be vaccinated when she had expected only one or two.

“It’s still a fair amount of people that are saying no and obviously we haven’t even addressed the younger ones, so this is just the elderly,” she added.

“So I’m sure when it comes down to the younger ones, there’ll be a lot more that say no.”

Vaccinated at mosque
About five million people, almost entirely the elderly and caregivers, have already received a first dose of the vaccine in the UK, the highest rate in Europe.

In a sign of officials’ concerns about minority take-up of the jabs, the state-run health service is mobilising “influencers” in communities to convince the sceptics.

A vaccination centre has even been set up in a mosque in Birmingham, the UK’s second-biggest city, which has a large South Asian population.

Imam Nuru Mohammed said the move sent “a big ‘no to fake news'” message to his 2,000-strong religious community and beyond.

He shared the video of his own vaccination on social media.

For Asim, the MINAB chairman whose mosque is in Leeds, in northern England, their efforts also help counter far-right claims.

“If there was a lower take-up of vaccines in Muslim communities in comparison to all other communities, then potentially, it could fan the flames of Islamophobia,” he noted.

“And in this pandemic, no one should be scapegoated.”

https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/...cine-disinformation?__twitter_impression=true

 

[Firebat]

COVID-19: Greater Manchester Police officer dies aged 40 after contracting coronavirus

A "completely fearless" police officer has died at the age of 40 after contracting coronavirus.

PC Abbasuddin Ahmed, a married father-of-two, was a serving officer on the Trafford district for Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

He died in hospital on Thursday after testing positive for the virus in December, the force said.

The officer, known as Abbas or Abs, joined GMP in March 2017 but had been away from the frontline during the pandemic, instead working from home "to look after his health".

Chief Inspector Neil Cook said PC Ahmed's wife Rebecca and two young children are "understandably devastated".

He added: "To see the shock and sadness of colleagues is an awful but pertinent reminder of the dangers of this terrible virus, and we remain committed to doing all that we can to protect the public and limit the number of people affected by such dreadful consequences."

Mr Cook said the officer had been "looking forward to returning and getting back onto the streets to continue serving the community when it was safe to do so".

A tribute shared by GMP said PC Ahmed "lived up to his name meaning 'lion' - brave, loyal, a fighter, protective, and completely fearless".

The officer was described by colleagues on the Stretford Response Team as "the greatest brother in and out of work" and "such a lovely man who was never seen without a smile on his face".

Inspector Abid Sardar, co-chair of the GMP Muslim Police Association, added: "I would describe him as a committed police officer, true friend and family man.

"Abbas will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him."

A fundraising page has been set up by colleagues in the officer's memory and to support his family.

https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19...ged-40-after-contracting-coronavirus-12196213

 

[Technics 1210]

Does this mean C19 is a racist virus according the looney left?

 

[MenInG]

Black MPs from across the parties have joined together in a video encouraging people to get the coronavirus vaccine.

The Office for National Statistics has found all ethnic minority groups, other than Chinese, are more likely to die from the virus than white people.

But a study suggests black people over 80 are half as likely to get the vaccine.

Campaigners have urged the government to do more to encourage those who are reluctant to get the jab.

Jabeer Butt, chief executive of the Race Equality Foundation, says the government needs to get data on "who has been offered the vaccine, who has taken it up and use that to target messages".

The government says it is working closely with minority ethnic groups who have questions about vaccines including working with faith and community leaders.

In the clip, tweeted by Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi, Labour MP David Lammy and Conservative James Cleverly speak about how they have lost relatives to the virus.

Labour's former Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott says "MPs don't agree all the time" and her Labour colleague Dawn Butler adds "but on taking the vaccine we do".

Another Labour MP, Clive Lewis, says "We understand the genuine history of mistrust some black people will rightfully feel."

And Conservative MP Adam Afriyie says the vaccine has been "robustly tested by some of the world's best scientists".

The clip ends with the MPs pledging to take the vaccine when they are offered it.

'Lack of trust'
Conservative MP Bim Afolami, who took part in the video, told the BBC: "I will do anything I can to help increase the take-up of vaccines amongst black and other ethnic minority populations.

"As a son of a doctor and a pharmacist, I know the real stresses and strains that the NHS is under, and the fastest way we relieve that pressure, save lives, and get our economy and society back to normal, is for everybody to take the vaccine."

And Labour's shadow women and equalities minister Marsha de Cordova said "Black people are more likely to die from Covid-19 than white people, so it's really worrying that so many in the black community are reluctant to have the vaccine.

"We understand this lack of trust may stem from structural racism in our history, education and health services but we also know that the virus thrives on these racial inequalities, and the only way to stop it now is to have the vaccine."

Earlier this week British Asian celebrities - including comedian Romesh Ranganathan and cricketer Moeen Ali - made a similar video urging people to get the vaccine.

The OpenSafely study by the University of Oxford and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found of the million of those over 80 but not living in a care home, 43% of the white people had been given their first dose, compared with 30% of the Bangladeshi and Pakistani people and 21% of the black people.

The study - which was based on more than 20 million patient records in England - also found that people living in deprived areas or those with mental-health conditions or learning disabilities were also less likely to receive the vaccination.

The authors of the study, which is yet to be peer-reviewed, said the findings of discrepancies between ethnic groups are "concerning".

"It requires action, and further investigation; possible drivers include systematic barriers to healthcare access, and vaccine hesitancy amongst certain groups; it may also only arise in the very earliest stages of this new vaccination programme," they said.

The BBC's community affairs correspondent Adina Campbell says there are many reasons why some are fearful including racial inequalities which already exist, a flurry of misinformation which appears to be targeting those groups on social media and a lack of trust toward those in public health care.

 

[Saj]

My sympathies with anyone who has lost a friend or family member.

However some of the Asian communities aren't helping themselves.

A friend of mine who lives in London was saying that if you go to places like Southall you'd think that there is no virus as people are ignoring any guidelines and rules.

 

[Firebat]

Meera Syal and Moeen Ali star in video urging BAME people to take vaccine

Actors Adil Ray and Meera Syal, cricketer Moeen Ali and comedian Romesh Ranganathan are among celebrities who have joined forces to counter coronavirus vaccine misinformation in ethnic minority communities as a race equality thinktank called for greater government action on the issue.

The rate of Covid infections and deaths among minorities has been disproportionately high compared with the white British population but polls have suggested they are less likely to take the vaccine, with concerns raised they are being targeted by campaigners spreading anti-vaccine propaganda.

The Citizen Khan creator and star Ray, who helped to organise a video launched on Monday to counter vaccine myths, said: “Unfortunately we are now fighting another pandemic – misinformation – where communities who are ignored are preyed upon and voices that endanger lives are amplified.

“Whilst these communities must accept some responsibility too, and take the vaccine to save lives, we all must do what we can and come together to fight this deadly virus. We hope this video can help dispel some of the myths and offer some encouragement for everyone to take the vaccine.”

The Runnymede Trust also released a video on Monday urging people to take the vaccine, including contributions from the chief rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, Imam Mohammed Mahmoud of East London mosque, and Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin. The thinktank also urged the government to prioritise ethnic minorities “who are living under circumstances with higher infection risks and whose elderly are dying at dire rates”.

It says the government should prioritise the rollout of vaccines to black and minority (BME) communities in dense urban areas “where the need is greatest” and work with BME community leaders to address misinformation and boost confidence in the vaccine. Last week, figures from NHS England showed London had the lowest number of people – 388,437 – who had received at least one dose of a Covid vaccine. The capital has the UK’s highest BME population and one of the highest proportions of ethnic minorities.

The greater reluctance of people from ethnic minority communities has been ascribed to various factors including poorer engagement with the health service historically, lack of trust, and exploitation of religious concerns through claims the vaccine contains pork or alcohol, is not halal or alters DNA.

The video – which also features actors Sanjeev Bhaskar, Asim Chaudhry and Nina Wadia, presenter Konnie Huq, the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and the former Tory party chair Sayeeda Warsi – debunks those falsehoods and others.

Abdullah Afzal, an actor and comedian who co-stars with Ray in Citizen Khan, says in the video: “In fact, the scientists who developed the most widely used [Pfizer] vaccine are Muslim, Prof Uğur Şahin and his scientist wife, Özlem Türeci, from Turkey.” The Bollywood star Boman Irani highlights that India is a leading country in vaccine manufacturing and people are urged to speak to their doctor if they have any misgivings.

Many in the video reveal details of relatives who have already received the vaccine. Shobna Gulati, who appeared for many years in Coronation Street and in the sitcom Dinnerladies, says: “We will find our way through this, and be united once again with our friends and our families. All we have to do is take the vaccination. My sister’s had the vaccine and I’m really looking forward to when it’s my turn.”

The Runnymede Trust said the lack of trust surrounding the vaccine among BME groups was partly because of hostile environment policies, adding: “The vaccine finally provides a way out of this dire situation and a way of protecting those who need it most. There must be immediate action to localise resources to the most in need areas. These are densely populated urbanised areas with large numbers of BME citizens.”

Nadhim Zahawi, the minister for Covid vaccine deployment, said: “We want every eligible person to benefit from a free vaccine, regardless of their ethnicity or religious beliefs.

“The Department of Health and the NHS are working closely with Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities to support those eligible for a vaccine and all those who have questions about Covid-19 vaccines.

“As part of this we’re working with faith and community leaders to give them advice and information about the benefits of vaccination and how their communities can get a jab.”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...ng-covid-vaccine-take-up-by-ethnic-minorities

 

[Bewal Express]

My sister in law to have her 1st jab today. IA it does the job

 

[MenInG]

Many doctors from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds say key risk assessments have still not taken place, or have not been acted on.

About 40% of UK doctors in the UK are from BAME backgrounds, yet 95% of the medics who have died from coronavirus were from minority backgrounds.

The NHS said last June that its trusts should offer risk assessments to staff.

But hundreds told a poll for BBC News that they were still awaiting assessments or action.

The British Medical Association (BMA) says the government has a duty to protect ethnic minority doctors.

Of 2,000 doctors who responded, 328 said their risks hadn't been assessed at all, while 519 said they had had a risk assessment but no action had been taken.

Another 658 said some action had been taken, with just 383 reporting their risks had been considered in detail and action put into place to mitigate them.

Doctors were polled via a questionnaire sent to BAME medics across the UK via 70 medical associations on behalf of BBC News in January.

One of those who responded was Dr Temi Olonisakin, a junior doctor in London who has Type 1 diabetes. She had her risk assessment early on in the pandemic.

"It was as comprehensive as a side A4 paper can be," she says.

"I think for a lot of people it felt more like a tick-box exercise, and one that could be used to say: 'We've done what we need to do to make people feel safe' - but I'm not sure in reality that's how people felt."

Dr Olonisakin scored high risk on her assessment and it was recommended that she limit patient contact. But during the second wave of the pandemic, she was working in an acute medical unit and had problems getting her risk assessment implemented.

"I had to do a lot of chasing and occupational health weren't as helpful as they could have been.

"It took a few weeks for me to be moved off patient-facing work. I felt I really had to fight for my safety."

"It was very stressful. I was very aware of the dangers of working in hospital and possibly picking up virus and what that could mean for me."

'Safe to speak up'

BMA chairman Dr Chaand Nagpaul said it remained vital that risk assessments happened and were acted on, and weren't a "tick-box exercise".

He added: "What's at stake here is serious ill health, and potentially death."

Several doctors reported difficulties in getting redeployed, and that it appeared easier for white doctors to avoid patient-facing work.

Dr Nagpaul said there were "longstanding inequalities" within the NHS.

"Career progression isn't great for BAME doctors, so they tend to be in patient-facing roles more than white doctors, and more of them have been on the frontline during the pandemic."

NHS England said it had written to all hospital trusts and Clinical Commissioning Groups last June, asking them to undertake risk assessments for BAME staff within four weeks - and that most BAME doctors had been offered them.

A spokesman said there had been more than a million risk assessments of staff, with 95% of those from BAME backgrounds having had one.

He added: "Every employer is required to support workers who raise discrimination issues" and that trusts had to "help ensure that NHS staff feel safe to speak up".

NHS bodies in Scotland and Wales said they had also implemented measures to address the concerns of BAME staff.

'I feel burned'

One GP, who wanted to remain anonymous, told the BBC the PPE (personal protective equipment) she was offered wasn't adequate.

The doctor, who has had to take time off work after developing long Covid, said: "I was working in walk-in centres at the time, and was only given basic surgical masks and an apron to use.

"At no point during the pandemic was I offered a risk assessment. I asked for technology to do remote consultations but was told it was oversubscribed.

"Working during the pandemic was so stressful - I feel burned."

Dr Leon Francis, a psychiatrist who set up the Black Medics Forum at the end of last year, said the pandemic had been "another assault on the mental health of black doctors".

He added: "People have spoken about pressure to work - but they don't want to say anything that might rock the boat."

More than 700 doctors who took part in our research said they felt discriminated against by colleagues or managers during the pandemic; and a further 700 said they felt bullied at work.

Dr Nagpaul said that echoed the BMA's own research.

"BAME doctors are more fearful of speaking up about issues in workplace because of the repercussions it might have on their careers.

"What's required is a cultural transformation within the NHS, where there is equal experience, equal support and equal opportunity. This is a lesson that must be acted upon now."

NHS England recommends a number of tools to calculate an individual's risk, one of which is the SAAD Scorecard that was created in memory of Dr Saad Al-Dubbaisi, a GP from Bury who died from the virus last year.

His daughter Zainab, a medic herself, said it was vital doctors were assessed.

"Now that we have identified that there's an increased risk of severe disease and mortality for BAME people, it's important these tools are used to identify at-risk healthcare workers so that they can be protected."

BBC

 

[OMB]

South Asians in UK at greater risk from Covid

A study published in the Lancet looked at health data from 17 million adults.

It confirmed that nearly all ethnic minority groups were disproportionally affected in the first wave in England.

In the second wave, the differences for black and mixed ethnic groups narrowed compared with white groups.

But those from an Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi background were even more likely to test positive, need hospital treatment and lose their lives.

'Concerning disparity'
"It's concerning to see that the disparity widened among South Asian groups," said Dr Rohini Mathur, assistant professor of epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and lead author of the research.

"This highlights an urgent need to find effective prevention measures that fit with the needs of the UK's ethnically diverse population."

The study, thought to be the largest of its type, was funded by the Medical Research Council and conducted by scientists from a group of universities including LSHTM and the University of Oxford along with the National Institute of Health Research.

The team analysed medical data collected by GPs covering 40% of England and compared it with coronavirus-related data for the first and second waves of the pandemic - including testing, hospital and mortality records.

In the first wave of the pandemic, from February to September 2020, nearly every ethnic minority group in the UK had a higher relative risk for testing positive, hospitalisation and death.

The largest disparity was in intensive care admissions, which more than doubled for most ethnic minority groups compared with white groups, with black people more than three times more likely to be admitted to ICU after age and sex were taken into account.

For black and mixed groups the differences narrowed between the first and second wave from September to December for reasons that are still not fully understood. It's thought access to better testing, targeted publicity campaigns and new ways of reducing risk at work may have all played a part.

But the data shows that those from the Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi community were still significantly more likely to get sick, end up in hospital and die compared with those who self-reported as white.

The authors of the research said medical factors including weight, blood pressure and other underlying health conditions played the biggest role in explaining the increased risk in South Asian groups.

According to the most recent 2011 census, 21% of South Asian groups live in multigenerational households, compared with about 7% of white groups.

The report said greater household size was also an important factor in explaining the increased death rate.

"In general, living in multigenerational households and highly networked communities is of huge social benefit," said Dr Mathur at LSHTM.

"But with infectious diseases it may also increase risk of exposure to the infection from younger or working age adults who may bring the virus into the household and may potentially put older members at risk."

Based on their findings, the researchers are calling for more support to tackle what they call the structural racism faced by some communities. They said improved access to healthcare could increase the uptake of both testing and vaccination in the future.

https://www.bbc.com/news/health-56944739

 

[dblock]

Study after study keeps pointing to the same conclusion. Three factors make Asians more susceptible: existing health conditions, multi-generational households and public facing jobs. Add in asian folk not following the rules and not surprised they are top of this list.

 

[Saj]

The main issue is Asians not following the rules.

Many still believe this is a conspiracy theory that is getting in the way of them leading their normal life.

In addition, relatives around the world not following rules, means that even the ones who want to follow the rules, don't do it.

 

[MenInG]

A doctor who spent the last two years saving the lives of COVID-19 patients has died after catching the virus.

Dr Irfan Halim stayed away from his family for four months at the height of the pandemic to protect them while he was working in COVID-19 wards.

He collapsed on 10 September while he was on shift at Swindon Hospital, where he caught the disease, according to his wife Saila.

He was treated in intensive care in Swindon until 23 September, when he was transferred to The Royal Brompton in London to receive specialist life support.

Dr Halim was placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a machine that temporarily replaces the function of the heart and lungs.

The treatment is used for COVID-19 patients who cannot breathe for themselves, even with the help of a ventilator.

"Irfan and the NHS worked frantically to bring him home to his beautiful family, but tragically he passed away after a nine-week fight against COVID," according to a fundraising page set up in his memory.

Close friends and family said they set up the page for his wife and children "to ease the burden" of losing him.

Dr Halim, described as a "wonderful, talented and incredible NHS doctor who worked hard to help others", was the sole source of income for his family.

"Irfan was dearly loved and touched so many people's lives," the fundraising page said. "Sadly, he was taken far too soon from those who love him."

"Not only was he a loving husband, a devoted father of four young beautiful children, but an incredibly awesome human being to all that were blessed to have met him."

His wife said the day he collapsed from COVID-19 was "just another day saving lives".

"He fought hard to be with his children every day," she said.

"With a broken heart shattered in pieces beyond imagination I muster what little strength I have to write this message."

Sean Wright, who donated to the fundraiser, said: "The family will know this already but Dr Irfan Halim is a true hero and they should feel rightly proud of the sacrifice he has made for others.

"His actions speak to his character and his direct help to others will undoubtedly inspire others to be more selfless and kind (including myself)."

Phoenix D, another contributor, called Dr Halim's death a "devastating loss".

"The day before Irfan collapsed, he was texting excitedly about a surprise birthday party he was 'plotting' for his wife, Saila," he said.

"This guy was a genius, and I was so sure he would pull through. I had no doubt he would walk. I was wrong. RIP Irfan. You won't be forgotten."

More than £83,000 has been donated so far by at least 471 people.

The family's goal is £100,000.

SKY

 

[Double Trouble]

To Allah belong to whom we will return
Very sad news about Dr Irfan
So young double vax no underlying health issues absolute tragedy
May Allah give his family sabr at this tough time and grant him jannat

I am also double jabbed same age as Doc Irfan caught Covid in September really struggled for over a month to recover

Not sure if the vax is working as my 2nd jab was in May

Any medical experts on here can i have there opinion on getting the booster will it really help

 

[MenInG]

The risk of catching and becoming very sick from Covid remains higher for people belonging to certain ethnic groups, a major review has found.

The Covid-disparities report, commissioned by the government, considers each pandemic wave.

Black and South Asian people are among those hit hardest, along with people in cities with high levels of deprivation.

The reasons are complex but experts say having more people vaccinated will save lives.

Experts are urging anyone eligible who has not yet had a jab to have one, because it is the best way to protect yourself and your family.

People in the UK can still receive a first vaccine, second dose and, if eligible, third booster jab free on the NHS.

Age and underlying health conditions remain the biggest risk for severe Covid but many of the other important factors are linked to the disproportionately higher Covid deaths and illnesses among people belonging to some ethnic minorities.

According to the report, the key ones include:

occupation - healthcare workers and taxi drivers, for example, have been hit hard
household size - particularly "multigenerational" ones, containing a mix of school-age children and older relatives
living in high-population areas with poor air quality and high levels of deprivation
During the first Covid wave - before vaccines were available and when personal protective equipment (PPE) provision across hospitals and care homes was patchy - risk was strongly linked to occupation, data suggests.

In the second wave, when schools were open, people living in multigenerational households were hit hard.

Chart showing people in poorer areas are less likely to have had a vaccine. Updated 18 November.
Now, the biggest risk, linked to ethnicity, is vaccine status, according to report author Dr Raghib Ali, the government's independent adviser on Covid and ethnicity.

Many of the sickest patients in intensive care were unvaccinated, he said.

Uptake of the vaccine has been higher among white people, overall.

The government said it would use the findings to help tackle health disparities.

Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch said: "This work is not over.

"The government has committed to learning and applying important lessons from this pandemic across public health, to ensure everyone of every background lives a longer, healthier and happier life."

BBC

 

[MenInG]

The widow of a surgeon who recently died from Covid while working on the frontline at Swindon’s Great Western Hospital, has launched a desperate plea to Marlborough residents to help find a home for her and her four children.

Dr Irfan Halim, who specialised in laparoscopic surgery, joined the Covid intensive care unit at the Swindon hospital in September and shortly afterwards contracted the virus.

After a nine-week battle he died last month, aged only 45.

He was devoted husband and dad to four children under the age of 12, and was a skilled surgeon who treated over 250,000 patients in his career.

Dr Halim, who attended Marlborough College in 1992-93 and played squash for England, collapsed on a ward and never returned home to his wife Saila and their children.

Before Dr Halim fell ill the family were planning to move to Marlborough from Barking and Mrs Halim still wants to do so, but she can find no place for her and children and is facing homelessness next month.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Dr Irfan Halim, 45, who died from Covid while working on the frontline in Swindon
Dr Irfan Halim, 45, who died from Covid while working on the frontline in Swindon
On Tuesday Mrs Halim took to posting an appeal on Facebook’s Marlborough Noticeboard in the hope that locals can assist.

She wrote: “I hope a kind soul will be able to help me out here. My name is Saila, mother of four children and a recent widow.

"I lost my husband Dr Halim who was the surgeon at Swindon Hospital working on the frontline saving lives and he just never came back home to us from work.

“The children and I are supposedly moving to Marlborough in January and starting at local schools. My husband attended Marlborough College and the children want to stay close to his childhood memories, hence the move.

“We had a three-bedroom rental property we had planned to move into which sadly fell through today. I’ve been looking online to see any 3-4 bedroom houses for rent for up to £1500pcm within the town and there is not much out there.

“If anyone here can offer any advice this would be incredibly helpful as we currently have no home. Our current home is being put on rent mid-January and we’ll be homeless after that.

https://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/...rgeon-died-covid-frontline-face-homelessness/

 

[MenInG]

Ministers have been slow to tackle systematic racism and racial inequality during the pandemic, and persist in trying to explain away disproportionality in death rates, the head of the Covid-19 public inquiry has been told in a leaked letter from black, Asian and minority ethnic leaders.

The government published its draft terms of reference for the inquiry in March and stated that the main topics would be the response to the pandemic and its impact in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It said the inquiry would also produce a factual narrative account of what happened.

However, the absence of a specific programme of work investigating how racial inequality and racism affected millions of Britons over the last two years has caused anger, and prompted half a dozen community leaders to raise their concerns directly with Heather Hallett, the chair of the inquiry.

In the letter to Lady Hallett, seen by the Guardian, the leaders say they are worried because the draft terms of reference do not contain any direct focus on the “significant inequalities” experienced by ethnic minorities “as a result of systematic racism throughout the pandemic”. This is especially alarming, they say, because “the effects of Covid-19 on race equality are likely to be long-term”.

The letter is signed by Jabeer Butt, the chief executive of the Race Equality Foundation; Charles Kwaku-Odoi, the chief officer of the Caribbean and African Health Network; and Circle Steele, the chief executive of the Wai Yin Society, among others.

A consultation was opened on the draft terms of reference, and contributions were sought from the public, bereaved families, professional bodies and support groups. Hallett is now assessing those views and considering whether to recommend any changes. She is expected to inform Boris Johnson of her views this month.

The letter urges Hallett “to consider not only the differing experiences of communities, but the experience of racism that increased the risks faced by black, Asian and minority ethnic communities during the pandemic as a specific programme of work within this inquiry.”

It says: “A range of community voices and robust academic evidence shows that black, Asian and minority ethnic people have experienced significant inequalities as a result of systemic racism throughout the pandemic both in general and across the main areas of focus for the inquiry. For instance, there is continued disproportionality in deaths and infections for black, Asian and minority ethnic people.”

The letter says there has been “clear disproportionality” in the deaths of black, Asian and minority ethnic healthcare staff. “For instance, 21% of all staff are black, Asian or minority ethnic but 63% of healthcare workers who died were black, Asian or minority ethnic.”

The leaders, who also include Zeenat Jeewa, the chief executive of the Asian People’s Disability Alliance, and Denis Onyango, the programmes director of the Africa Advocacy Foundation, say it is “important to note” that black, Asian and minority ethnic workers in other sectors were also “disproportionately affected by the pandemic”, including in business, housing and policing.

“Worryingly, the government response to growing evidence of racial inequality in the experience of infection and mortality was slow and then attempted to explain away evidence of disproportionality,” the letter adds.

“Unfortunately, the government’s desire to explain away racial inequality has persisted in the face of eminent public health experts, such as Sir Michael Marmot, highlighting that racism was one of the ‘causes of the causes’.”

Hallett is urged to set out a clear plan to secure testimony from people in black, Asian and minority ethnic communities and examine “what could be done to protect them from future pandemics”.

The Cabinet Office said in March that the inquiry would aim to understand the experiences of those most affected by the pandemic, as well as looking at any disparities in its impact.

However, the leaders urge Hallett to “demonstrate independence from the government by focusing on racism and racial inequality and not ‘disparities’ in understanding what needs to change to ensure that future public health emergencies do not once again disproportionately impact black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.”

Guardian