The South Asian community I am part of has a number of overlapping risk factors that increases the risk of both acquisition of COVID and also at risk for having a more severe outcome 1/ https://twitter.com/TorontoIDDoc/status/1327936723725193216

First many work in ESSENTIAL, public-facing jobs (including in health care) as well as crowded workplaces where it is difficult to physically distance (e.g. factories, food processing plants etc.) 2/

We are more likely to live in a multigenerational home (especially in the hotspots across Canada and the world), with an average of 6-8 people. This is a prime situation for amplification of a single infection brought in to the household. 3/

South Asian events, like many other cultural events, involve large indoor gatherings (often with singing) in private homes. Wedding festivities have been associated with multiple superspreader events across Canada. 4/

Many, especially new immigrants, are financially unstable and depend on their jobs. There is a reluctance to test for COVID with minor symptoms because it could mean time off work and loss of income, so they continue to go to work. Combine this with 2, 3 & 4. 5/

Interestingly, lockdowns (which may be necessary in the near future) won't directly deal with many of the above factors as essential businesses stay open! 6/

Interventions we propose address this situation involve community outreach, engaging leaders and communicating with people who are affected to speak to hard to reach groups directly in multiple languages (need to dust off my Bengali skillz). 7/

Addressing the problem is important as many health issues present at higher rates in the South Asian community (diabetes, obesity, hypertension, coronary artery disease) are risk factors for severe COVID. 8/

Addressing the problem will also help the general community at large given how South Asians are such a significant part of our beautifully intertwined Canadian society. 9/

Great article from Omni News @apmckay (thanks for this) about the exact same topic. Check it: https://www.omnitv.ca/on/en/as-covid-19-cases-surge-experts-urge-south-asians-to-stay-home-this-diwali/