Monitoring the possibility of increased BAME COVID-19 risk

12 May 2020

In recent weeks Avon and Somerset BPA and Police Federation have been monitoring the possibility of increased risk to those from BAME communities with the COVID-19 virus.

On the 23rd April 2020 DCC Cain wrote to all BAME support network leads on behalf of the NPCC Op Talla and Race, Religion and Belief working group providing reassurance, welcoming the government’s commitment to review the issue and encouraging all officers and staff to continue following the current government and NPCC guidance which remains fit for purpose.

Public Health England have been consulted, who confirm that the review will most likely report at a general population level and is not expected to provide any specific guidance for health and wellbeing in frontline settings or make specific recommendations as to how to risk assess individuals or key workers. Once complete the review will be submitted to the Chief Medical Officer who will consider next steps with publication expected at the end of May 2020. We will be monitoring this progress and we will report back to you with any relevant aspects that could impact on your health and well-being.

We recognise the anxiety such initial concerns can bring to you, your family and colleagues. The BPA and Federation are here to support you during these times and we will work closely with national colleagues to ensure that the correct information and guidance is available to you. This is a dynamic situation and as such we will share information once this is known or made available.

Thank you for your hard work and stay safe.