Academy statement: Disparities in the risk and outcomes of COVID-19

Public Health England’s review of deaths from Covid-19 is welcome as confirmation of what is already a well-known aspect of the disease, but crucially, did little to explain why certain groups such as black and minority ethnic, older men and those from deprived backgrounds are more at risk. It is particularly concerning that those from BAME backgrounds are twice as likely to die from the virus than the rest of the population. This is an extremely pressing matter which must be urgently addressed by Government and scientists alike. The Academy hopes that this leads to necessary public health actions when so much is at stake.

3 June 2020