Disparities in the impact of coronavirus on black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities need urgent action, scientists have said.

The Independent SAGE group, set up to shadow the government’s official Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, has drawn up a list of 11 recommendations it is urging Downing Street to act on.

Its review, which examined the disproportionate effects on the BAME community from COVID-19, has concluded that groups are at greater risk of dying from the disease because of a complex crossover between “socio-economic disadvantages, high prevalence of chronic diseases and the impact of long-standing racial inequalities”.

Eight proposals are classed as “short-term” and can be implemented immediately to prevent further harm to minorities, especially in face of a second wave of coronavirus and further local lockdowns that could come into force.

It follows recommendations already produced by Public Health England, which were submitted to the government at the end of May and none of which have yet been implemented.

But Independent SAGE, which is made up of scientists and former scientific advisers to the government, have gone further with more detailed guidance aimed at protecting BAME people.

In light of the Leicester lockdown, the group are arguing that “temporary accommodation should be made available” for people who live in overcrowded and multi-generational households.

Outside London, Leicester has one of the largest South Asian populations in England and a significant number of overcrowded homes, which some believe has contributed to the rise in coronavirus cases in the area.

The group also want to see tailored test and trace systems as they are developed “to ensure that they reach marginalised BAME communities”, along with priority testing for the most at-risk groups, particularly those working in public-facing roles.

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