Early on in the pandemic there were strong indications that Covid-19 was having a disproportionate impact on people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds. At one point newspapers and websites were publishing almost daily tributes to patients who had lost their lives after catching the virus, many of whom were not of white, British descent.
As time went on studies began to emerge which backed up the claim that these minority groups were bearing the brunt of the pandemic. In April 2020, an analysis of hospital admissions presented the first substantive evidence that death rates were higher among black and Asian patients who had contracted the disease. The report by the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre (ICNARC) found more than a third (34%) of people critically ill with coronavirus in English, Welsh and Northern Irish hospitals were from ethnic minority backgrounds, compared with 18% of the UK population.
Shortly afterwards the Welsh Government decided to carry out an urgent investigation to determine why a disproportionate number of NHS workers from these groups were being affected by coronavirus. The first three casualties on the frontline of the health service in Wales were of black or ethnic minority backgrounds, while across the UK the first 10 doctors to die were all from minority backgrounds. A higher prevalence of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, chronic lung disease and vitamin D deficiency were all thought to be factors.
Read more: The frontline BAME doctors putting their lives at risk for coronavirus patients
Behind the troubling mortality rates were people who were valued members of the health service and cherished by their loved ones and communities. They were people who put paid the ultimate sacrifice to fight against a disease which, at the time, was still very much an unknown entity. They were mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, aunties, uncles, friends and colleagues. To mark the second anniversary of lockdown, we've looked back and reflected on some of those from ethnic minority backgrounds who lost their lives to Covid-19.
Rizal Manalo
Rizal, known to friends as Zaldy, died on Sunday, June 14, 2020 after spending several weeks in critical care at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire. The 51-year-old had worked as a nurse at Glan Clwyd and Abergele Hospital since August 2001 when he was recruited from the Phillippines.
His wife Agnes said: "Zaldy was a hard-working person who loved his job dearly. He was a good husband and a loving father to his children. He protected and cared for us." Matron Karen Davies said: "Zaldy would always greet you with a smile in the morning and always had a story to tell. He was a caring and compassionate member of the team, a true gentleman.
"A colleague and family friend said that Zaldy was known as their 'kuya', an old brother within the Filipino community. He loved to socialise and sing, especially taking part in karaoke. They also said how important his job was to him as he loved his work."
Donna Campbell
Donna, 54, described as "beautiful and kind-hearted," died on Good Friday 2020 after testing positive for coronavirus. She was an NHS healthcare worker at Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff and would "light up a room" with her infectious and bubbly personality. After starting as a volunteer, the mother-of-two became a vital team member due to her ability to comfort patients and families with her warm nature.
Paying tribute to her, a spokesman for the centre said: "Donna was without doubt a treasured member of our work family who could light up a room with her infectious laugh and bubbly personality but at the same time she had the most wonderful ability to comfort and care for people. She was often found singing and dancing, entertaining patients and staff, making everyone smile. Donna will always have a special place in our hearts and we will all want to send our heartfelt sympathy and love to her family at this very difficult time."
Linnette Cruz
Linnette, 51, died on April 14, 2020 after being treated for the virus in the intensive care unit at Morriston Hospital in Swansea. She was a senior head nurse at the Brynteg dental practice in Sketty. Practice owner Nik Patel said: "She brought love, light and joy to everyone around her and will be sadly missed by all."
She trained in the Philippines before coming to Swansea. She joined Brynteg as an extended duty dental nurse before rising to senior head nurse. Karl Bishop, dental director for Swansea Bay University Health Board said at the time: "Linnette's death is deeply upsetting to her family, friends and colleagues and all our thoughts are with them. She was a highly committed and caring dental nurse, respected by her colleagues, patients and the communities in which she worked."
Brian Mfula
Brian, a lecturer in mental health nursing at Swansea University, was described as "an inspiring teacher who taught from the heart". The university said he will be remembered for his "generous spirit, his warm personality, and his highly infectious laugh".
He was also a dedicated family man to his four children. His family were left overwhelmed by the outpouring of love after his death and thanked students, friends, and colleagues who put a smile on the lecturer's face "every day". Mr Mfula's son Kato said he was "honoured" to be his son and described him as his "hero".
He wrote on Twitter: "I never even got to say goodbye to my hero, my dad Brian Mwila Mfula. I'm so broken right now I don't know what we're going to do without. I love you so so so much and I'm honoured to call you my father but I'm even more honoured to be called your son."
Jitendra Rathod
One of Wales' leading surgeons and a specialist in cardiac surgery, Jitendra was described as a "incredibly dedicated surgeon" who cared deeply for his patients. He was admitted to the University Hospital of Wales after contracting Covid-19 but died on April 6, 2020, despite the best efforts of colleagues.
Known to colleagues as Jitu, he was said in a Cardiff and Vale University Health Board statement to have been "well-liked and greatly respected by one and all." The statement added: "He was very compassionate and a wonderful human being. His commitment to the speciality was exemplary. He is survived by his wife and two sons."
Julius Sana
Dad-of-two Julius, from Newport, was a popular healthcare support worker at St Peter's Hospital and was known for "always smiling". He passed away on April 27, 2020, more than two weeks after he was admitted to hospital with Covid-19. His sister, Jovelyn Villareal, who moved with him to Wales from the Philippines around 17 years ago, said: ""Julius was shy but everyone loved him. He was never in trouble with anyone, he was humble.
"He was a loving son and would call our mother in the Philippines every day. He loved his job and everyone loved him on the wards."
