Reacting to today’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) stats showing deaths by ethnicity and that black people are four times more likely to die from coronavirus, Equality and Human Rights Commission Chief Executive, Rebecca Hilsenrath, said:
These statistics reveal the true impact coronavirus is having on ethnic minority people. Behind every number is a person, with a family left devastated and looking for answers. While the ONS has revealed the numbers, the reasons are less clear. Race inequality is persistent across Britain, with people from ethnic minorities facing disadvantage in their living conditions, access to healthcare and economic opportunities, among other areas, which could be contributing factors. It is this perspective that we are seeking to bring through our participation in the NHS England and Public Health England study into this critical issue.
