A MAJOR new study has been launched in Warrington to understand the impact of coronavirus among black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

As the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine continues, health chiefs are urging minority ethnic groups to take part in the essential research.

The study, carried out by the Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership, is in response to data showing that ethnic communities are disproportionately affected by the virus.

Research into survival rates among confirmed coronavirus cases showed that people of Bangladeshi ethnicity were twice as likely to die from the virus compared with people of white British ethnicity.

People of Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, other Asian, Caribbean and other black ethnicity had a 10-50 per cent higher risk of death when compared to white British.

The study aims to gain a deeper understanding into the experiences of ethnic groups during the pandemic and attitudes towards the Covid-19 vaccinations to improve communications.

Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, regional director of commissioning for NHS England and NHS Improvement and senior responsible officer for the Covid-19 vaccination programme in the north west, said: “There is clear evidence that Covid-19 does not affect all population groups equally.

“This research is instrumental in enabling us to tackle the inequalities engendered by Covid-19 and to further support our black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

“We are asking for everyone in these communities to take part in our survey to help the NHS understand attitudes and feelings around the virus and the vaccination programme.”

Dr Raj Kumar, Cheshire and Merseyside GP and chair of the NHS Clinical Leaders Network, added: “It is vital that we understand different religious, cultural and behavioural beliefs and attitudes so we can support and engage with all of our communities.

“To do that effectively, we need you to help us understand your individual experiences.

“I know my own personal experience as a British Asian male doctor may be quite different to other individuals within the black, Asian and other minority ethnic communities.

“We want to hear from as many people as possible across these groups to ensure our support reaches those who need it the most, across all backgrounds.”

The survey, which can be translated into various languages upon request, is available via cheshireandmerseysidepartnership.co.uk/survey-landing-page until January 25.

All answers will remain anonymous and everyone taking part will be entered into a prize draw with a chance to win a selection of Amazon gift vouchers.