Weekly email bulletin from Newham Council 4 June 2020

Weekly email bulletin from Newham Council 4 June 2020.

Newham Council is issuing regular e-bulletins to residents about what’s happening at the Council and in the borough, including the latest information about how we are responding to Covid-19. You can read the latest message from Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz below:

“While the coronavirus emergency has completely dominated our front pages for the past few months, over the past 11 days, I’ve watched with pain and outrage the video footage of the death of the unarmed black American George Floyd in Minneapolis. The video recording has been widely circulated showing George pinned to the floor by white police officer Derek Chauvin. George was in pain and couldn’t breathe. He was begging for his life.

“The unspeakable horror has sparked large-scale civil unrest in America, despite the Covid-19 pandemic gripping the country, symptomatic of decades of police brutality against African-Americans in the US. It’s another example of the endemic racism that exists in that country against African-Americans and people of colour. George Floyd’s family has urged peaceful protest and solidarity is being displayed this side of the Atlantic.

“In Newham, which has one of the highest ethnic minority communities in the UK, we stand in solidarity with George’s family and friends, the people of Minneapolis, and everyone who continues to challenge racism, discrimination and inequality. As a mark of our solidarity, and to underline our commitment, I asked for our town halls in East Ham and Stratford and our offices at Newham Dockside to be lit up in purple in support of the Black Lives Matter movement because it is the colour that has become associated with the struggle against oppression. View our Facebook page to see them.

“You know I’ve long been concerned about the potential risks facing Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities in light of the powerful evidence pointing to issues of the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on these residents in our borough. The publication on Tuesday of Public Health England’s (PHE) report of its inquiry into the disproportionate Covid-19 mortality rates affecting ethnic minority communities further supports this.

“The report was a weak one, as it didn’t come with any clear actionable recommendations, and confirms what we already know: that the risk of dying among those diagnosed with Covid-19 is higher in BAME groups than in white ethnic groups.

“After accounting for the effect of sex, age, deprivation and region, it found that people of Bangladeshi ethnicity were at most risk, with around twice the risk of death than people of white British ethnicity. People of Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, other Asian, Caribbean and other black ethnicity had between 10% and 50% higher risk of death when compared to white British. The PHE reports states that in previous years, ‘all-cause’ mortality rates were lower in Asian and black ethnic groups than in white ethnic groups - meaning that mortality risk for Covid-19 amongst BAME communities is worse and a reversal of what’s been monitored in the past. That is significant.

“I wrote to the Prime Minister on May 7 following publication of the original Office for National statistics data showing a disproportionate impact on BAME communities. In that letter I asked him specifically what immediate support the Government would be offering boroughs like Newham, and how this data would be used to inform the easing of lockdown restrictions. To date, I’ve not received a response, but I will continue to demand that the Government take urgent action to tackle health inequality, especially amongst BAME communities. I’ll also continue to call for an independent public inquiry on the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on ethnic minorities. That will be a positive legacy to emerge from the darkness of this Covid-19 crisis, especially for those groups who are suffering the worst effects of inequality which have been drawn into sharp focus by this pandemic.

“This week we’ve also begun to see more of the lockdown restrictions loosened. While it’s nice to be able to meet up to six friends or relatives in parks, gardens or outdoor spaces, please remember that the two-metre social distance requirements still apply. From 15 June, face coverings will also become compulsory on all forms of public transport in England to help stop the transmission of Covid-19.

“If you have to go to work, please avoid using public transport by walking or cycling instead as there will be reduced passenger capacity. That’s why we are urging you to continue work from home if you can, stay at home as much as possible, limit contact with other people, keep up with the social distancing requirements and wash your hands frequently.

“Also this week, the Government said our primary schools were now able to welcome back more pupils in nurseries, reception and years 1 and 6. Over recent weeks, I have made it clear that schools in Newham shouldn’t open as it could lead to increased transmission and a second wave in the borough. That’s why I’m pleased that all our maintained schools took a cautious approach and didn’t rush back immediately. They weren’t alone because according to a survey by the National Education Union, more than two in five primary schools in England did not open their doors to more children on Monday.

“Our schools will do so when their governing bodies and head teachers have weighed up the risks based on sound clinical expertise and have the right social distancing measures in place to keep pupils, staff, and families safe. It’s becoming obvious that head teachers know far more about their individual challenges than the Government does.

“If you are a parent or carer, don’t feel under pressure to send your child back to school, as Newham Council won’t take any action in this current period. The safety of your child, household, school staff and the wider community is too important. We also want to hear your views if you are a parent or carer, and I hope you’ll take part in our Parent Survey. It only takes five minutes to complete and you can find the survey 

“Let’s work together to help stop the spread of the virus in Newham, and prevent a second wave of Covid-19 in the borough. “Stay safe.” 
 

Published: 04 Jun 2020