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UK coronavirus live: black people four times more likely to die from coronavirus than whites - ONS UK coronavirus live: black people four times more likely to die from coronavirus than whites - ONS
(32 minutes later)
ONS says risk of death significantly higher among some ethnic groups than others; Johnson to chair cabinet meeting on lockdown measuresONS says risk of death significantly higher among some ethnic groups than others; Johnson to chair cabinet meeting on lockdown measures
Sir Harry Burns, Scotland’s former chief medical officer, has warned against relaxing the lockdown until the community rate of transmission for the coronavirus, known as R, has fallen below 0.5.
Burns, who advised Scottish ministers during the swine flu pandemic in 2009, told MSPs on the Scottish parliament’s new Covid-19 committee he had been told the R rate in Scotland was about 0.7 and said he feared it would rise once the lockdown was eased.
Boris Johnson is expected to announce modest relaxations from next Monday in a statement on Sunday night, including allowing family picnics, more outdoor exercise and potentially authorising outdoor cafes to reopen.
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, is resisting a relaxation too early, and has said Scotland’s R rate may be slightly higher than in England.
Burns told the committee:
He said some people were at increased risk of being infected, particularly people who lived in crowded high rises and used shared lifts. Wealthier people in the suburbs with private gardens will be less exposed. That meant the R rate would be higher in crowded urban areas.
Burns added that he was also “leery” about lifting the lockdown too early because there were clear risks transmission rates would surge. As the sole carer for his 96-year-old mother, who was shielding at home, he already avoided shops and public spaces to lower the chance he catches the virus. He said:
The UK economy could shrink by 14% and unemployment could more than double as the pandemic causes the deepest recession in modern history, the Bank of England has warned.
Leaving interest rates on hold at a record low of 0.1% as the economic crisis unfolds, the central bank said economic activity across the country had fallen sharply since the onset of the global health emergency and the lockdown measures to contain its spread.
In a warning over the mounting damage to the economy, the Bank said GDP could plunge by 25% in the second quarter. For 2020 as a whole, the economy could shrink by 14%, marking the deepest recession for more than three centuries.
As Boris Johnson prepares to announce the government’s plan to gradually ease lockdown measures after more than a month of sweeping controls on social and business life, the BoE said it would take a year for the economy to return to normal and there were heightened risks of long-term damage.
For more on this story and for all the latest economic news and analysis, head over to our colleague Graeme Wearden’s business live blog.
This is from David Lammy, the shadow justice secretary, on the ONS report into coronavirus deaths and ethnicity.
This is from Nick Stripe, head of health analysis at the Office for National Statistics, explaining to the BBC what its report on coronavirus deaths and ethnicity (see 9.41am and 10.33am) shows.This is from Nick Stripe, head of health analysis at the Office for National Statistics, explaining to the BBC what its report on coronavirus deaths and ethnicity (see 9.41am and 10.33am) shows.
The ONS has also published a report this morning on coronavirus and the economy. As PA Media reports, it says almost a quarter of UK firms have halted trading due to the coronavirus lockdown. The PA report goes on:The ONS has also published a report this morning on coronavirus and the economy. As PA Media reports, it says almost a quarter of UK firms have halted trading due to the coronavirus lockdown. The PA report goes on:
This is from Helen Barnard, acting director of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, a social justice thinktank, on today’s ONS report about coronavirus deaths and ethnicity.This is from Helen Barnard, acting director of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, a social justice thinktank, on today’s ONS report about coronavirus deaths and ethnicity.
Here are the five key charts from the ONS report on coronavirus deaths and ethnicity. (See 9.41am.)Here are the five key charts from the ONS report on coronavirus deaths and ethnicity. (See 9.41am.)
1 - Coronavirus deaths by ethnicity1 - Coronavirus deaths by ethnicity
This one is self-explanatory - coronavirus deaths by ethnicityThis one is self-explanatory - coronavirus deaths by ethnicity
2 - Comparative risk of dying from coronavirus - Men2 - Comparative risk of dying from coronavirus - Men
The most shocking figures in today’s report are those showing that black men and women are more than four times more likely to die from coronavirus than their white counterparts. This sets out the increased risks by ethnicity for men.The most shocking figures in today’s report are those showing that black men and women are more than four times more likely to die from coronavirus than their white counterparts. This sets out the increased risks by ethnicity for men.
In this set of data the figures are adjusted for age (the age profile of different ethnic groups is different, and older people are more at risk), but not for other factors.In this set of data the figures are adjusted for age (the age profile of different ethnic groups is different, and older people are more at risk), but not for other factors.
2 - Comparative risk of dying from coronavirus - Women2 - Comparative risk of dying from coronavirus - Women
And here is the equivalent chart for women.And here is the equivalent chart for women.
3 - Comparative risk of dying from coronavirus - men (fully adjusted)3 - Comparative risk of dying from coronavirus - men (fully adjusted)
But of course part of the reason people of BAME heritage are more likely to die from coronavirus is because of other factors, including health, relative deprivation or where they live. The ONS has adjusted the death figures to take account of this. It explain how here.But of course part of the reason people of BAME heritage are more likely to die from coronavirus is because of other factors, including health, relative deprivation or where they live. The ONS has adjusted the death figures to take account of this. It explain how here.
But, even making allowance for all these factors, black people are still almost twice as likely to die from coronavirus as white people. The ONS says it does not have an explanation for why this is.But, even making allowance for all these factors, black people are still almost twice as likely to die from coronavirus as white people. The ONS says it does not have an explanation for why this is.
Here is the chart showing increased risks by ethnicity for men, fully adjusted for other relevant factors.Here is the chart showing increased risks by ethnicity for men, fully adjusted for other relevant factors.
5 - Comparative risk of dying from coronavirus - Women (fully adjusted)5 - Comparative risk of dying from coronavirus - Women (fully adjusted)
And here is the chart showing increased risks by ethnicity for women, fully adjusted for other relevant factors.And here is the chart showing increased risks by ethnicity for women, fully adjusted for other relevant factors.
A majority of British voters want the UK government to force social media sites to remove false information from their platforms, with misinformation proliferating on sites such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.A majority of British voters want the UK government to force social media sites to remove false information from their platforms, with misinformation proliferating on sites such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
A poll by Survation for the open data campaign Open Knowledge Foundation found 55% of people believed the government needed to “impose compulsory action on social media sites to prevent the spread of disinformation on their sites”.A poll by Survation for the open data campaign Open Knowledge Foundation found 55% of people believed the government needed to “impose compulsory action on social media sites to prevent the spread of disinformation on their sites”.
A third (33%) said those sites should take voluntary action against misinformation. All the sites involved, including YouTube, insist they do remove fake news and misinformation both proactively and if content is flagged, but they also argue people are entitled to freely share their opinions, even if they are wrong.A third (33%) said those sites should take voluntary action against misinformation. All the sites involved, including YouTube, insist they do remove fake news and misinformation both proactively and if content is flagged, but they also argue people are entitled to freely share their opinions, even if they are wrong.
The poll found 51% had seen misinformation about the coronavirus, often posts wrongly linking the pandemic to 5G mobile phone masts.The poll found 51% had seen misinformation about the coronavirus, often posts wrongly linking the pandemic to 5G mobile phone masts.
That echoes similar results in polls by Ofcom, the broadcasting regulator, which has already taken enforcement against broadcasters for airing such claims by David Ike, the conspiracy theorist. YouTube deleted Ike’s channel on the platform for repeatedly breaching its ban on disputing the existence of Covid-19.That echoes similar results in polls by Ofcom, the broadcasting regulator, which has already taken enforcement against broadcasters for airing such claims by David Ike, the conspiracy theorist. YouTube deleted Ike’s channel on the platform for repeatedly breaching its ban on disputing the existence of Covid-19.
The ONS has just published its report on coronavirus deaths by ethnicity. Here are the main points.The ONS has just published its report on coronavirus deaths by ethnicity. Here are the main points.
The ONS says the risk of death from coronavirus is “significantly higher” among some ethnic groups than among people of white ethnicity.The ONS says the risk of death from coronavirus is “significantly higher” among some ethnic groups than among people of white ethnicity.
Black men are 4.2 times more likely to die from coronavirus than their white counterparts, and black women 4.3 times more likely, the ONS say, when age is taken into account.Black men are 4.2 times more likely to die from coronavirus than their white counterparts, and black women 4.3 times more likely, the ONS say, when age is taken into account.
When allowance is made for health factors and deprivation, black people are still 1.9 times more likely to die from coronavirus than their white counterparts, the ONS says.When allowance is made for health factors and deprivation, black people are still 1.9 times more likely to die from coronavirus than their white counterparts, the ONS says.
People of Bangladeshi and Pakistani, Indian, and mixed ethnicities are also significantly more likely to die from coronavirus than their white counterparts, the ONS says.People of Bangladeshi and Pakistani, Indian, and mixed ethnicities are also significantly more likely to die from coronavirus than their white counterparts, the ONS says.
Bangladeshi and Pakistani men are 1.8 times more likely to die from coronavirus than their white counterparts, even when health factors and deprivation is taking into account. Bangladeshi and Pakistani women are 1.6 times more likely to die from coronavirus.Bangladeshi and Pakistani men are 1.8 times more likely to die from coronavirus than their white counterparts, even when health factors and deprivation is taking into account. Bangladeshi and Pakistani women are 1.6 times more likely to die from coronavirus.
The ONS says that, although deprivation and other factors explain some of these differences, a remaining part of the difference has not yet been explained.The ONS says that, although deprivation and other factors explain some of these differences, a remaining part of the difference has not yet been explained.
Good morning. I’m Andrew Sparrow, joining the blog for the day.Good morning. I’m Andrew Sparrow, joining the blog for the day.
Here are the main items on the agenda for later.Here are the main items on the agenda for later.
9.30am: The Office for National Statistics is due to publish data on the economic impact of coronavirus, and deaths by occupation and ethnicity.9.30am: The Office for National Statistics is due to publish data on the economic impact of coronavirus, and deaths by occupation and ethnicity.
9.30am: The Commons home affairs committee takes evidence on coronavirus and asylum accommodation.9.30am: The Commons home affairs committee takes evidence on coronavirus and asylum accommodation.
Morning: Boris Johnson chairs cabinet.Morning: Boris Johnson chairs cabinet.
12.30pm: The Scottish and Welsh governments are due to hold their daily briefings.12.30pm: The Scottish and Welsh governments are due to hold their daily briefings.
Around 1pm: Downing Street lobby briefing.Around 1pm: Downing Street lobby briefing.
2.30pm: Prof Sir Ian Diamond, the national statistician, and Prof John Edmunds, head of infectious disease modelling at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, give evidence to the Commons science committee about the R number. At 3.30pm Prof David Peters from Johns Hopkins University and Prof David Spiegelhalter will give evidence.2.30pm: Prof Sir Ian Diamond, the national statistician, and Prof John Edmunds, head of infectious disease modelling at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, give evidence to the Commons science committee about the R number. At 3.30pm Prof David Peters from Johns Hopkins University and Prof David Spiegelhalter will give evidence.
5pm: Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, is expected to take the UK government’s daily press conference.5pm: Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, is expected to take the UK government’s daily press conference.
Schools have been asking teachers to come into work during lockdown to decorate classrooms, attend face-to-face meetings and make fresh preparations for a reopening, a union has claimed. NASUWT, the teachers’ union, says it has received reports of teachers being brought back into work amid speculation that schools will be asked to reopen to more pupils before the summer. Patrick Roach, general secretary of the NASUWT, has said the requests - which he called “wholly inappropriate” - have “intensified” in the past week following reports of an early return. In recent days, teachers have been told to come into school to get them “used to” the workplace and to get classrooms ready for social distancing measures, according to the union leader.Schools have been asking teachers to come into work during lockdown to decorate classrooms, attend face-to-face meetings and make fresh preparations for a reopening, a union has claimed. NASUWT, the teachers’ union, says it has received reports of teachers being brought back into work amid speculation that schools will be asked to reopen to more pupils before the summer. Patrick Roach, general secretary of the NASUWT, has said the requests - which he called “wholly inappropriate” - have “intensified” in the past week following reports of an early return. In recent days, teachers have been told to come into school to get them “used to” the workplace and to get classrooms ready for social distancing measures, according to the union leader.
Roach has urged schools not to act prematurely as staff are being put “at risk unnecessarily”.Roach has urged schools not to act prematurely as staff are being put “at risk unnecessarily”.
Schools, colleges and nurseries closed more than six weeks ago due to the coronavirus outbreak, remaining open only for vulnerable youngsters and the children of key workers.Schools, colleges and nurseries closed more than six weeks ago due to the coronavirus outbreak, remaining open only for vulnerable youngsters and the children of key workers.
The shadow chancellor, Anneliese Dodds, has warned the government to “be quite careful” about saying employees who have been furloughed have become “addicted” to the scheme. Dodds told Sky News:The shadow chancellor, Anneliese Dodds, has warned the government to “be quite careful” about saying employees who have been furloughed have become “addicted” to the scheme. Dodds told Sky News:
On the unusable gowns from Turkey, she added: “Well to be completely honest, clearly a mistake was made around this but for me the critical thing is how are we going to deal with this in the future? “Because I don’t see that need in care homes, in particular, ebbing away actually, it is even more pressing now, so let’s not dwell too much on what might have gone wrong, let’s focus on how we can actually try and get this fixed and sorted.”On the unusable gowns from Turkey, she added: “Well to be completely honest, clearly a mistake was made around this but for me the critical thing is how are we going to deal with this in the future? “Because I don’t see that need in care homes, in particular, ebbing away actually, it is even more pressing now, so let’s not dwell too much on what might have gone wrong, let’s focus on how we can actually try and get this fixed and sorted.”
I will be updating you on the latest news and developments. Please do get in touch to share any thoughts, news tips or insights with me. It’s always really helpful, thanks in advanceI will be updating you on the latest news and developments. Please do get in touch to share any thoughts, news tips or insights with me. It’s always really helpful, thanks in advance
Twitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.comTwitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.com
Nadia Whittome, a Labour MP who said she was fired from her temporary role as a carer for speaking out about PPE shortages, has responded to her former employer after it said it had sufficient equipment. Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Whittome said:Nadia Whittome, a Labour MP who said she was fired from her temporary role as a carer for speaking out about PPE shortages, has responded to her former employer after it said it had sufficient equipment. Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Whittome said:
When asked if speaking to the media about PPE shortages may have been unsettling for the residents in her care, Whittome said:When asked if speaking to the media about PPE shortages may have been unsettling for the residents in her care, Whittome said:
Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien has praised Liam Gallagher for announcing a free concert for NHS workers, but said his own band had no such plans. Former Oasis singer Gallagher plans to perform at The O2 arena in London, which has a capacity of 20,000, on October 29. O’Brien, 52, said Radiohead were “dormant”, although they occasionally came together for band meetings. But he suggested NHS and care home workers might not even want to see them perform live. He told the PA news agency: “Radiohead is kind of dormant at the moment. We have meetings but it’s not an active thing. “We don’t have any plans but I think it’s brilliant, the way that the initial wave of people like Liam Gallagher ... I think that all of that stuff is brilliant.Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien has praised Liam Gallagher for announcing a free concert for NHS workers, but said his own band had no such plans. Former Oasis singer Gallagher plans to perform at The O2 arena in London, which has a capacity of 20,000, on October 29. O’Brien, 52, said Radiohead were “dormant”, although they occasionally came together for band meetings. But he suggested NHS and care home workers might not even want to see them perform live. He told the PA news agency: “Radiohead is kind of dormant at the moment. We have meetings but it’s not an active thing. “We don’t have any plans but I think it’s brilliant, the way that the initial wave of people like Liam Gallagher ... I think that all of that stuff is brilliant.
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has called for ethnicity to be recorded on all death certificates to expose the disproportionate effect that Covid-19 and other illnesses are having on the capital’s black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities.The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has called for ethnicity to be recorded on all death certificates to expose the disproportionate effect that Covid-19 and other illnesses are having on the capital’s black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities.
The Institute of Fiscal Studies estimates that hospital death rates are highest among those with black Caribbean, Pakistani and black African heritage. However, it’s not possible to understand the full extent of this inequality as, unlike in Scotland, ethnicity is not recorded on death certificates in England.The Institute of Fiscal Studies estimates that hospital death rates are highest among those with black Caribbean, Pakistani and black African heritage. However, it’s not possible to understand the full extent of this inequality as, unlike in Scotland, ethnicity is not recorded on death certificates in England.
Khan has successfully lobbied ministers to routinely collect and publish demographics of those dying in hospital and welcomed the government’s review into the disproportionate effect of the virus, but only by adding ethnicity on to death certificates would we be able to get a complete picture, he said.Khan has successfully lobbied ministers to routinely collect and publish demographics of those dying in hospital and welcomed the government’s review into the disproportionate effect of the virus, but only by adding ethnicity on to death certificates would we be able to get a complete picture, he said.
Khan said:Khan said: