EAST Lancashire South Asians are twice as likely to be taken to hospital seriously ill with coronavirus pathology data has confirmed.

Figures from March to May show that for every 100,000 residents of that heritage in the area 262 were hospitalised with Covid-19. This compares to 134 per 100,000 white residents.

The testing data from the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust showed that South Asian residents were 1.95 times more likely to be hospitalised mirroring the national trend.

The findings have been published by the Lancashire Resilience Forum’s BAME Covid-19 health inequalities cell formed to research the causes behind the higher mortality rate of people from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds

Professor Dominic Harrison, director of public health at Blackburn and Darwen Council who chairs the group, said: “These startling figures are in line with data at a national level which has shown BAME communities are disproportionately impacted by coronavirus.

“This is an extremely complex issue, but one of critical importance that must be addressed. Our group was established to examine the causes and determine what actions can be taken to support BAME and vulnerable communities.”

The group is analysing data from NHS Trusts across the county to understand the impact of Covid-19 on BAME communities and the measures that can be put in place to protect them.

Abdul Razaq, public health consultant for Lancashire County Council, said: “It’s important that we analyse as much data as possible to build a broad understanding of the impact of Covid-19.

“We have previously conducted research of national data which showed a higher level of coronavirus related deaths in minority communities as well as differences between different ethnic groups.

“We’re continuing to examine data both locally and nationally to better understand the cause of these high figures and to push for change to support BAME, vulnerable communities and front line workers.”

Naz Zaman, the Lancashire BAME Network's chief officer, said: “We’re working to find innovative ways to reach everybody. We’re keen to target specific professions identified as higher risk such as taxi drivers, security guards and care staff ."