Roscommon-Galway TD Denis Naughten has once again called for long Covid to be recognised as an occupational illness for frontline workers, allowing them to avail of paid leave.
The Independent TD also urged the Government to address the prolonged care requirements of those who are actively living with long Covid.
His call comes after new data was released this week which found that 10% of adults have experienced symptoms of long COVID following an initial period of infection with the virus.
The data is based on a survey carried out by leading polling company, Ireland Thinks, and was commissioned by Denis Naughten TD.
The study is one of the first surveys to provide data on the lifetime prevalence of long COVID symptoms in the Irish population and demonstrates the need to fully implement the HSE’s recommended ‘three pillar’ approach to long COVID, one that incorporates patient-led rehabilitation, generalist assessment and support as well as specialist assessment and rehabilitation.
“The poll demonstrates the gravity and scale of the issue and highlights the potential burden that could be placed on the national health system in the event that a significant number of patients are consistently presenting to hospitals with complex care requirements arising from long COVID,” said Deputy Naughten.
