Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report by the National Centre for Social Research Wellcome Monitor 2020: COVID-19 study, published in August, which concluded that (1) the BAME population were “less likely to receive information about staying safe from COVID-19 that they find clear or that they trust”, and (2) “consideration should be given to how health information engages people from BAME groups”; and what steps they intend to take in response.

The Government is working with COVID-19 teams across departments and agencies to communicate and engage directly with ethnic minority communities across the country.

This includes a national campaign that spans owned, earned and paid-for channels to maximise reach and engagement. To increase accessibility, Government advice, guidance, legislation, and the support measures announced were translated into over 25 different languages.

The Race Disparity Unit has been working closely with faith leaders, the voluntary sector, community representatives and black, Asian and minority ethnic business leaders to ensure that advice and relief measures announced are available to those who need it.