I am not 100% certain how to interpret higher rates of #COVID19 among BME ppl in the UK. On the one hand, it's quite surprising, given the much younger age profile of BME ppl. On the other hand, BME ppl are more likely to live in London, Birmingham, and more likely to work in

'high contact' jobs. Most obviously health (where 47% of junior doctors are BME), but also pharmacies, delivery, transport. There is also poorer housing, with BME ppl constituting half of overcrowded households, and less likely to have access to green spaces

While I think it's

very important we monitor the relative rates of #COVID19 by ethnicity, it's also crucial to understand the social and economic factors (including discrimination) which ultimately drive most health inequalities

A reminder of child poverty rates by ethnicity in the UK

Bangladeshi children 59%
Pakistani children 54%
Black children 47%

I realise children are less likely to get coronavirus and to experience severe symptoms, but a useful reminder of economic circumstances in BME households

Note: this doesnt mean 'it's all about class'

Racial discrimination is a driver of *why* ppl of colour are more likely to have less money

Having less £ is a v strong predictor of health inequals

But as maternity deaths amg black women suggests, racism can a independent factor

See also this 2012 @RunnymedeTrust 'A sense of place' on retirement decision making

10% of Pakistani and Bangladeshi households are intergenerational

Vs

1% of white households

(Which also partly explains overcrowding rates)