The recent spike in coronavirus in some towns and cities is helping to perpetuate further myths that this is an ‘Asian’ problem.

How short our memories are. The media have learnt nothing from the Black Lives Matter campaign.

The same voices that shouted for equality and diversity have reverted to pushing articles and broadcasts to the contrary.

But let me make something clear. There has been a rise in infections and a large percentage has been amongst Asians.

There is a distinct difference between suggesting that a community is more susceptible to a virus and subtly suggesting that it is them who are to blame for the spike.

My observations within my own community are quite clear and not biased.

We have all socially distanced and followed guidelines like any other community, if not more.

When Boris Johnson was still scratching his head, mosques independently decided to close for the safety of their communities.

I admit there have been cases where people have bent the rules to suit them, but this has been apparent everywhere across the UK.

Even amongst government advisers themselves. When individuals were struggling to leave their homes, many organisations joined forces to provide food and social support for everyone.

All the positive contributions of Asian communities seem to have been forgotten as we hurry to find a reason for local lockdowns.

I am unlikely to see pictures of people in pub gardens not socially distancing or on picnics in places such as Bradford or Blackburn. What I have started to see already are images and films of inner city Asian neighbourhoods and mosques.

Cameramen and journalists have descended upon Blackburn and decided to head straight to Whalley Range as if this was the epicentre of all things coronavirus.

The reductive reasoning is flawed.

Asians are testing positive so they are responsible.

Surely, if Asians are being tested they are following advice which is ‘please get tested’. The counter-argument would be other communities are NOT testing themselves.

Well then don’t blame others for being responsible enough to get tested. There is a danger that in the coming weeks, like we saw in Leicester, these reports will only look to highlight inner city Asian areas to help spread the notion that it is they who are indirectly guilty of spreading this virus.

Only a week ago we were urged to leave our homes and go out to save the economy. A month ago, we were told masks are ineffective.

So please, before bullying a community, look to scrutinise those in power who failed to protect us. I accept our community is more susceptible to the virus as more south Asians work in front line services and have households who live together.

But this was never an Asian problem. This is a virus that affects people of all ages and backgrounds.

We are all in this together. Well, that is what we were told. Stay safe and keep following government guidelines. Everyone.