Disabled people hit hardest by pandemic
The majority of Covid-19 deaths last year involved disabled people
THE Covid-19 pandemic is having a disproportionate impact on disabled people, who made up around two in three deaths last year.
New research by the Office for National Statistics shows that of the 50,888 people who died with coronavirus in England from January 24 to November 20, 30,296 were disabled.
While equivalent figures aren't yet available for Wales, previous research covering deaths in the country between March 2 and July 14 showed that out of 2,311 deaths involving Covid-19 in Wales, 1,561 had been people with disabilities.
The figures are based on matching records of deaths to the 2011 Census, which included selfreported disability status, along with primary care and hospital records.
The risk of death from coronavirus was 3.5 times greater for disabled women whose day-today activities are limited a lot compared with non-disabled women, and 2.0 times higher for women whose daily activities are limited a little.
Disabled men were also at higher risk, although slightly less than women. Among men, the risk of death was 3.1 times greater for severely disabled men and 1.9 times higher for men with a less severe disability, compared with non-disabled men.
The excess risk of death involving
Covid-19 for disabled people, relative to non-disabled people, was consistent across the first and second waves of the pandemic.
The most recent research also looked at people in England who had been diagnosed with a learning disability.
People with a medically diagnosed learning disability had a risk of death involving coronavirus 3.7 times greater than people who did not have a learning disability.
Given these alarming figures, the government is being urged to prioritise the protection and support of disabled people.
James Taylor, executive director of strategy, impact and social change at disability equality charity Scope, said: “The government must take action to stop the pandemic becoming even more of a catastrophe for disabled people.
“Higher prioritisation for the vaccine is essential and we need an emergency support package to protect disabled people's lives and livelihoods.”
Researchers said that although no single factor explains the considerably raised risk of death involving Covid-19 among disabled people, their place of residence, socio-economic and geographical circumstances, as well as preexisting health conditions, was influential.
The fact that disabled people are disproportionately exposed to a range of generally disadvantageous circumstances compared with non-disabled people might have played an important part, the ONS said.
A study carried out by Scope in January revealed that just one in 10 disabled people have been able to get all the support they've needed from their local council and the UK government — while only one in 20 have been able to get the necessary assistance from social care.
Mr Taylor said: “Disabled people have faced months of agony and worsening health due to cancelled health appointments while vital support to stay safe such as food deliveries and social care has been pulled away, leaving disabled people feeling angry and abandoned.”
WHO better to host a stressful, tense, high-stakes game show than a man well used to intense pressure? Sounds like the perfect job for hot-headed chef Gordon Ramsay.
With the hospitality industry on its knees, he has clearly had time on his hands to shoot this game show, which he has been developing since 2019 and exec produces.
He knows he’s not the likeliest of game show hosts, but his humour and no-nonsense, straight-talking attitude fit right in. It’s a game of balance and wit for people with steady hands and cool heads, with a jackpot of £100,000.
BBC1, 9pm
All the contestants have to do is move gold bars on to a giant game board – however, the board moves. “It’s volatile, unstable and unpredictable. Sound familiar?” Gordon quips.
Players have to answer questions on 12 topics relating to 12 zones on the board. Bigger stacks of gold bars means more money, but may tilt the board too far depending on where they are placed.
If they push it, everything could come crashing down and then they go home with nothing.
Imagine watching people play a mega game of Jenga, with a Million Pound Drop event telly vibe and you’ve got the idea.
First to face Ramsay and his bank balance are siblings Tosin and Tobi, from London, who bicker and screech throughout as they try to literally build themselves a fortune.
Then come couple Vicki and Lindsey from Bournemouth who want to try their luck.
With general knowledge questions we can try from home and a great atmosphere, this is an addictive new format.
■ Continues tomorrow and Friday.