Coronavirus updates as they happened: Report suggests Covid-19 'worsens inequalities' - BBC News
Racism and social inequality may exacerbate Covid-19 risk to UK minorities, a leaked report says.
We have more information from a leaked report into the impact of Covid-19 on black, Asian and minority communities. It finds racism and social inequality may have contributed to increased coronavirus risks for people in these communities.

The Public Health England draft report found "historic racism and poorer experiences of healthcare or at work" meant individuals in BAME groups were less likely to seek care when needed or to speak up when they had concerns about personal protective equipment or risk.

Other possible factors include risks linked to discrimination and occupation, and inequalities in conditions such as diabetes.

Images of just some of the NHS workers who lost their life during the coronavirus pandemic Image caption: Images of just some of the NHS workers who lost their life during the coronavirus pandemic

“The unequal impact of COVID-19 on BAME communities may be explained by a number of factors ranging from social and economic inequalities, racism, discrimination and stigma, occupational risk, inequalities in the prevalence of conditions that increase the severity of disease including obesity, diabetes, hypertension and asthma," it said.

It also said there was a "lack of trust" of NHS services for many BAME communities.

The report said stakeholders expressed "deep dismay, anger, loss and fear in their communities" as data emerged suggesting Covid-19 was "exacerbating existing inequalities".

It also said there was "deep concern and anxiety" that "if lessons are not learnt from this initial phase of the epidemic, future waves of the disease could again have severe and disproportionate impacts".