Black people are nearly twice as likely to die from coronavirus than white people, a new study commissioned by Sadiq Khan has revealed.

Analysing data from local and national sources, the report, released on October 1, assessed the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on people with "characteristics protected by law", such as gender, ethnicity and disability.

University of Manchester researchers concluded black people are 1.9 times more likely to die from Covid-19 than white people.

This was in part put down to socio-economic inequalities, as well as over-representation of black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people in professions which are more at risk of Covid-19 exposure, such as health and social care roles.

The Mayor of London has been prompting the Government to take action in response to such realities for months. In June, he warned of a "looming unemployment crisis" that would hit BAME communities the hardest in the long term.

And in light of the uneven effects being felt in the pandemic that were highlighted in the report, the Mayor of London is urging the Government to address the inequalities which have led to such disparities.

The independent report also proved a number of other findings.

Gender

While men were more likely to die from Covid-19 when Office for National Statistics (ONS) data was taken, women had experienced a disproportionate level of economic, social and psychological impacts, with mothers 47 per cent more likely to have resigned or lost their jobs than fathers.

Death rates for men in lower-paid, manual roles were three times higher than those in management, business and desk-based jobs.

Disabilities

Disabled Londoners have reported increased difficulties with practical tasks, including shopping for groceries amid the pandemic. Finding up-to-date, accessible information about the virus has also proved challenging for those with disabilities.

The Mayor said the study proved Covid-19 has had a disproportionate impact on "disabled Londoners, people in areas of high deprivation and those from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds".

He continued: "It is simply not right for ministers to say they will do ‘whatever it takes’ to mitigate the effects of the coronavirus crisis but then stand by as whole sectors of our society find their lives and their livelihoods at risk.

"I urge ministers to invest in our communities and the organisations supporting those most at risk, to ensure that accessible health guidance is available to all and, as case numbers are rising again, that there is adequate support in place for those who’ve lost their jobs, had their hours cut or been forced to self-isolate."

'London-focused' data needed

According to the report, a lack of London-focused, Covid-specific data was reducing any ability to assess full impact of coronavirus on those with protected characteristics, as well as on the capital overall.

These findings come as cases continue to rise in London and across the nation, with restrictions to prevent a second wave being questioned by many, including the Mayor.

He said London is at "a very serious tipping point" in the fight against coronavirus, and that effective measures are needed, including a rapid review of the 10pm.

7,108 positive Covid-19 cases were reported in the UK on the last day of September. 43 deaths were reported across England, 3 of which were in the capital.

Latest figures also show 42,143 have died of Covid-19 in the UK.