Vaughan Gething AM, Minister for Health and Social Services
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
On 21 April I issued a Written Statement: COVID-19 and BAME Communities on the emerging evidence of the disproportionate impact that COVID-19 is having on some individuals from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. Within this I set out the work underway for NHS Wales to lead, as a compassionate and caring employer, through commissioning further evidence and analysis to inform any possible updated public advice regarding risk assessment, need for self-isolation or shielding, medical risks and comorbidities in relation to people from BAME backgrounds.
I am committed to ensuring that we learn quickly so we can best protect people in Wales from harm due to COVID-19, and I recognise my duty of care to all those who are working hard in our health and care system to support the people of Wales.
NHS Employers, the Association of Directors of Social Services, Trade Unions and Government have worked in the spirit of social partnership to develop a joint statement making clear the need for a precautionary approach even as the evidence base is evolving about the differential impact of COVID-19 on members of our workforce. I am pleased to welcome this statement and endorse its content wholeheartedly.