Leeds plays it's part in a 'ground-breaking' COVID-19 research study
The city will host a ‘pop up’ blood donation centre
Men and people from black and Asian communities are being asked to take part in a new project in Leeds, to find out why the virus has affected people differently.
From today(15th May), people from the city and surrounding areas will be able to donate a blood sample at a pop-up centre at the Crowne Plaza Leeds.
"“Over the last 12 months, the city of Leeds has suffered badly from COVID-19."
The GenOMICC COVID-19 Study looks at the genes of people who have had the virus to find out why some people had no symptoms and others became extremely ill.
Anyone who tested positive to COVID but experienced mild or no symptoms and didn’t require hospital treatment can take part.
Elizabeth Wilby, Senior Research Sister at Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust and Principal Investigator for the study in Leeds said:
“Over the last 12 months, the city of Leeds has suffered badly from COVID-19.
“Sadly, Covid’s effect has disproportionately been felt by people of Asian and Black heritage. This study provides us with an opportunity to try to better understand why. We strongly encourage people from ethnic and minority communities across Leeds to support this study to help us discover new ways of beating the virus.”
Dr Kenneth Baillie, the study’s Chief Investigator said:
“We need to find people who tested positive for COVID but experienced either mild or no symptoms and didn’t require hospital treatment. For comparison purposes, it’s important that these volunteers are similar in age, gender and ethnicity of those people who were severely affected and hospitalised.”
Professor Sir Mark Caulfield, Chief Scientist at Genomics England said:
“The quicker this research can be completed, the faster we can solve the COVID puzzle and protect vulnerable people.
“Genetic research into COVID-19 is now playing an increasingly important role in our fight against the virus, enabling us to identify new forms of the virus and develop treatments.
“The findings from the GenOMICC COVID-19 Study will improve the treatment, care and outcome for those most at risk, as well as helping to prioritise future vaccinations and lower the number of deaths.”