The Biden Administration recently announced a collaborative Federal effort to detect and treat the long-term effects of COVID-19. The lingering effects of an infection—often called “Long COVID”—have affected individuals regardless of age, race, disability, comorbidities or the severity of the initial infection. Reported symptoms include fatigue, anxiety, shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping and headaches.
The White House shared in a memorandum the Administration’s intention to “harness the full potential of the Federal Government, in coordination with public- and private-sector partners, to mount a full and effective response.”
The interagency effort to respond to Long COVID consists of the following:
Report on the Long-Term Effects of COVID-19.
- “The report shall outline Federal Government services to support individuals experiencing Long COVID, individuals and families experiencing a loss due to COVID-19, and all those grappling with mental health and substance-use issues in the wake of this pandemic. The report shall also specifically address the long-term effects of COVID-19 on underserved communities and efforts to address disparities in availability and adoption of services and support for such communities.”
National Research Action Plan on Long COVID.
- A coordinated “Government-wide effort to develop the first-ever interagency national research agenda on long COVID, to be reflected in a National Research Action Plan. The National Research Action Plan will build on ongoing efforts across the Federal Government, including the landmark RECOVER Initiative implemented by the National Institutes of Health. The Secretary shall release the jointly developed National Research Action Plan within 120 days of the date of this memorandum.”
Additionally, the Administration has several actionable initiatives in place to support the disability community and those affected by Long COVID. This includes making services available to those who are affected by Long COVID, translating new research into action through the development of disability policy and strengthening the systems of support available to those who are experiencing Long COVID. For more details on the Biden Administration’s Long COVID efforts, read this fact sheet released by the White House.
Read the Presidential memorandum here.