No details on how many BAME people have died from Covid-19 in Sheffield

There are no details about how many Black, Asian and minority ethnic people have died from coronavirus in Sheffield because of a lack of data.

Councillors asked questions about the number of deaths in the city involving BAME residents and those who are shielding.

Public Health England says death rates from Covid-19 were higher for Black and Asian ethnic groups when compared to White ethnic groups.

In a report, it says: "Evidence suggests that Covid-19 may have a disproportionate impact on people from BAME groups.

"Black and Asian patients were over-represented among those critically ill with confirmed Covid-19 receiving advanced respiratory support. Some evidence also suggests the risk of death is higher among people of BAME groups."

Sheffield health chiefs were quizzed at a scrutiny meeting. Coun Angela Argenzio asked: "How many were BAME residents dying of Covid-19 and can we have the figures by council ward so we can fit it in with our work on equalities and how we support the most vulnerable in our communities?"

Louise Brewins of NHS Sheffield said there were no figures available as yet.

"We're not able to provide the information on ethnicity because it's not recorded on death certificates so it's not possible to analyse data in that way.

"There may be other ways but it will require data linkage, we are exploring it but currently there's not a straightforward routine way."

Ms Brewins also said there were no details on how many shielding people had died as that would involve analysing people's personal records.

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