WHAT THE GOVERNMENT SAYS...

ASKED about the issues raised in this article, the government acknowledged that there is ‘clear evidence’ Covid has disproportionately impacted on certain groups of people, adding that it is ‘doing everything we can to protect and minimise the risk to the most vulnerable individuals and communities’.

That has included, it said, prioritising the most vulnerable in society, adding that the Minister for Equalities is ‘leading vital work to ensure that we better understand and minimise the key risk factors that are impacting on these communities, and significant action has already been taken’. A Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities has been set up to better understand divides, what works and what doesn’t; the NHS has also set a priority to concentrate on outcomes for the poorest, and those from ethnic minorities. It also highlighted the self isolation payment, as well as discretionary grants available from local authorities.

“The government remains committed to levelling up across the country – including on health outcomes - and to spreading opportunity,” said a spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care.

“Our approach continues to be guided by scientific and medical experts, and we have never hesitated to take lifesaving action, including restrictions and lockdown measures. We continue to monitor the data on the effectiveness of our approach and keep restrictions under review.

“We know this pandemic has caused financial hardship for many people across the country, and we have acted decisively to make sure nobody is left behind, with support for people on low pay to help them through this period.”