Almost a quarter of people with long Covid have reported experiencing significantly reduced daily activities as a result of the condition, according to Dep Denis Naughten.
This data comes from a tracking survey of more than 5,000 people conducted by Ireland Thinks over the past 18 months which shows that 24 per cent of respondents stated that their ability to conduct daily activities has reduced a lot as a result of the symptoms associated with long Covid. It highlights the debilitating symptoms associated with long Covid.
Long Covid is particularly challenging for individuals who now find themselves dealing with ongoing health issues such as fatigue, cognitive difficulties and breathing problems. The most recent survey last month indicates that 62.6 per cent of women report their symptoms hinder their daily activities, compared to 14.7 per cent of men.
“But it’s not just impacting individuals; it’s profoundly affecting our workforce, presenting complex and far-reaching challenges,” Denis Naughten highlighted.
A recent report by the EU Commission estimates the prevalence of long Covid and its impact on work ability, resulting in a labour market supply reduction of between 0.3 and 0.5 per cent.
These figures suggest that long Covid could be reducing Ireland’s labour market supply by more than 13,500 people. This combines the effects of lower productivity, increased sick leave, reduced working hours and increased unemployment or underemployment. The actual number of individuals impacted will be much higher, as this is only a statistical model of ‘in-person equivalents’.
This is leading to a significant reduction in labour supply in an economy at full employment and has long-term implications for society as a whole.
“Despite the urgent need for adaptive workplace policies, the Department of Social Protection has failed to implement any specific measures that would allow long Covid patients to return to work gradually, with some doctors advising on such an approach," Dep Naughten said.
“Even though a comprehensive review of the interim treatment model for long Covid was completed by HIQA last year, a revised care model is still not being considered by the HSE.
“In light of this survey data showing the ongoing severity of long Covid on up to a quarter of those with ongoing symptoms, neither the Social Welfare rules nor the treatment plans for patients are being revised or updated.
“Such an approach to delay and deny the effect of long Covid on our population and our workforce will have long-term repercussions, impacting patients’ recovery and their ability to contribute fully to our society once again.”
