THE British Red Cross has responded to the recent findings of yesterday's Covid-19 report.

The report was set up by First Minister, Mark Drakeford, in order to investigate why Wales' black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities are more likely to be adversely affected by the virus pandemic.

Research found that children of black, Asian and ethnic minority heritage are suffering much worse damage to their mental health as a result of the pandemic than their white peers.

In a response to these report findings, which were published yesterday (June 22) by the BAME Covid-19 expert advisory group in Wales, Naomi Phillips, director of policy at the British Red Cross, shared her thoughts on what action needs to be taken.

She said: "We have witnessed health inequalities being exacerbated by Covid-19.

"People have been struggling to access the care and support they need, are worrying about finances, and in some cases are unable to access the information they need to stay safe due to a lack of internet.

"Our research has also found people from BAME backgrounds, as well as those seeking asylum, have been at greater risk of feeling lonely during this pandemic.

"We are pleased the First Minister convened a BAME Covid-19 advisory group and that Welsh Government has shown an ongoing commitment to addressing inequalities in Wales.

"Despite this, as yesterday's report shows, people from BAME backgrounds are still being disproportionally affected by Covid-19 due to issues like structural racism and social inequalities.

"We now need to see immediate action and a clear cross-Government plan to implement the report recommendations and to ensure no one is left behind."