Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the reported numbers of COVID-19 related deaths of frontline staff from BAME communities, what steps they are taking to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 for BAME frontline staff.

We are looking very specifically at the impact COVID-19 is having on the black, Asian and minority ethnic population. We have commissioned Public Health England to look at this issue in detail and they are due to report before the end of May. The review will also analyse available data on health outcomes for National Health Service staff, to develop a better understanding of how the virus affects frontline workforce.

In advance of Public Health England’s review, and on a precautionary basis, NHS England and NHS Improvement have recommended that NHS employers should risk-assess staff at potentially greater risk and make appropriate arrangements accordingly.

We are working around the clock to ensure personal protective equipment is delivered as quickly as possible to all those on the frontline during this global pandemic for as long as it is required.