In the UK, medical staff from black, Asian and minority ethnic groups (they are denoted by the acronym BAME – Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) offer will not prevent the “front line” combat the coronavirus, as there are concerns that genetically they are more susceptible to dangerous infection.
Figures show that more than 60% of all health and social care workers who died of coronavirus belong to ethnic minorities, although they represented only 16% of all staff. This publication reports the Daily Mail. In addition, the proportion of deaths among black and Asian patients made up 16% across the UK.
the First ten doctors in the UK who died of coronavirus, were representatives of ethnic minorities. Many of them were born in other countries.
national health service UK (NHS) has urged medical institutions in the country to assess the risk of infection of staff from ethnic minorities and take appropriate measures.
In an official letter to the leaders of the NHS Simon Stevens and Amanda Pritchard have been set out steps for a “second phase” response of the health service on flash Covid-19. Some of them just involves taking preventative measures to assess the risk of employees belonging to the category of BAME, who potentially may be at greater risk of Contracting the virus. One of them is a translation of the doctors, nurses and other medical staff in remote mode.
in addition, the NHS representatives said that they will begin to explore the question of why people from ethnic minorities more often pick up Covid-19.
currently, most hospitals in the UK have included all their employees who belong to the ethnic minorities, the most vulnerable and at risk of infection Covid-19 group.
Previously, the Fund Somerset Foundation the first in the country established the priority of BAME employees for access to protective masks for the face.
“Although we do not yet have any conclusive studies or national recommendations, we believe that this is the right approach – wrote a letter to employees, chief Executive officer of the Fund Peter Lewis. We also hope that you will feel comfortable and be able to share their concerns about any pathological conditions in order that they could be taken into account when planning your work”.
the letter also said that staff within the BAME category, and members of their families will be able to pass the tests to identify the coronavirus during the first five days after the onset of any symptoms, and all who need respirators FFP3 providing better protection than conventional copperQing masks will also be able to obtain them at the earliest opportunity.
“We understand, in what condition are disturbing our colleagues at the moment, so we want to give them as much support, – said Peter Lewis. Employees belonging to ethnic minorities, have made significant contributions to our Foundation, providing care for our patients. We are grateful for their continued commitment to this cause.”
Some British scientists believe that this difference in exposure to infection can be caused by the fact that ethnic minorities are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The role played by social and demographic factors, as representatives of BAME often live in densely populated areas that may hinder compliance with social distancing.
In turn, the British medical Association (BMA) suggested that doctors from ethnic minorities, are not always able to Express concern about the inadequate facilities of individual protection, as they are more often subjected to harassment and discrimination while working.
the Chairman of the Association, Dr Chaand Nagpaul told the Daily Mail that, according to the survey, doctors from among BAME three times less likely to give other personal protective equipment in order to treat coronavirus patients.
“These figures are staggering and worrisome, he said. – In fact, these doctors come from different parts of the world to help other people and save their lives … and now they, unfortunately, have to sacrifice their”.
