Shamim Nassrally

We write this letter as doctors and proud members of the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community from a South Asian background. Recent Office for National Statistics (ONS) data suggest that the BAME population is disproportionately affected by Covid-19.1 Observations and experiences from within our family and wider community led us to explore how cultural aspects may account for these figures. Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors are likely to contribute to this unfortunate statistic. Intrinsic factors such as pre-existing health conditions and comorbidities e.g. cardiovascular risk factors, diabetes2 and diet are likely to play a role. Extrinsic factors such as living in overcrowded conditions,3 multigenerational households and a large proportion of this population being key/essential workers,4 which are often less likely to be amenable to remote working. Faith also plays a part and the large congregational gatherings in places of worship may add to the risk in this community, as does the tactile nature of greeting in BAME communities.