COVID-19 and Long COVID
The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to ensuring equitable access to health and safety for America's workers and providing resources to respond to and recover from the Coronavirus pandemic.
What is Long COVID?
Long COVID (LC) is an infection-associated chronic condition (IACC) that occurs after SARS-CoV-2 infection and is present for at least three months as a continuous, relapsing and remitting, or progressive disease state that affects one or more organ systems. A person experiencing symptoms of LC can be eligible to receive workplace accommodations from their employer before three months pass and without an official diagnosis. For example, a person experiencing brain fog, fatigue, or shortness of breath that limits their ability to work for periods of time less than three months can request and be entitled to reasonable accommodations in their workplace even though they do not yet meet the clinical definition of LC.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not specify the length of time a condition must last to be substantially limiting, and “temporary” conditions may be covered (EEOC, Question 10). The duration of an impairment is one factor that is relevant in determining whether a person is substantially limited in a major life activity, but not the only. Conditions that last only for a short period of time are covered if they are substantially limiting. An individualized assessment is necessary to determine whether the effects of a person’s COVID-19 or LC substantially limit a major life activity (EEOC, Section N). Employers can retain employees with LC by providing workplace supports, resources, and accommodations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more information and a list of symptoms associated with the condition.
Find resources below for Workers, Employers, Youth, Policymakers.
Are you experiencing long-term symptoms of COVID-19? Contact the Job Accommodation Network to learn about workplace flexibilities, tools and accommodations that can help you keep working during your recovery.
Supporting Workers with Long COVID Factsheet — Some people who had COVID-19 experience a range of new or ongoing symptoms—known as post-COVID conditions or Long COVID—that can last weeks, months or years and worsen with physical or mental activity. This factsheet shares strategies for supporting workers with Long COVID, including accommodations for common symptoms and where to access more guidance and assistance with specific situations.
ODEP News Brief: Long COVID Special Edition – In honor of International Long COVID Awareness Day on March 15, 2024, this special issue of our News Brief shares resources to help employers understand Long COVID and to support affected workers so they can stay on the job or return to work when ready.
COVID.gov – Long COVID
Implementation of the Government-wide Response to Long COVID – This update from the Office of Long COVID Research and Practice includes the work many federal agencies are doing to address the needs of people living with Long COVID and those that care for them. It highlights recent efforts since the August 2022 publishing of the National Research Action Plan on Long COVID and the Services and Supports for the Longer-term Impacts of COVID-19 Report (see below). Through research, providing services and supports and promoting provider education and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, the Biden-Harris Administration is improving the lives of people today and into the future.
Access information on services and supports for people experiencing Long COVID and the Federal Government’s research strategy to inform a comprehensive and equitable response to help affected individuals and families.
Services and Supports for Longer-Term Impacts of COVID-19 — This comprehensive report outlines the federally funded supports and services currently available to individuals experiencing the longer-term effects of COVID-19. Individuals and families can search for services and supports by topic.
- Caregiving, Family Support
- Child Care, Early Childhood Development, Education
- Community Services, Supports
- Education Supports
- Food and Nutrition Supports
- Health Care Coverage and Access
- Housing
- Income, Financial Assistance
- Job Assistance
- Know Your Rights
Rapid Evidence Review: Long COVID – This review summarizes recent literature on Long COVID's influence on participation in the U.S. labor force and identifies strategies that may support remaining at or returning to work for people affected by Long COVID. It also identifies current gaps in the research and potential areas for new research.
Long COVID: A Guide for Health Professionals on Providing Medical Evidence for Social Security Disability Claims — This guide for health professionals describes the kinds of medical evidence the Social Security Administration needs to evaluate disability claims filed by individuals with long-term health effects of COVID-19, known as Long COVID or Post-COVID Conditions.
Health+ Long COVID Human-Centered Design Report — This resource from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services outlines the personal experience of individuals with Long COVID and associated conditions as they work to find treatment, receive services and maintain employment.
White House Long COVID Webinar
View this webinar, in which agency representatives provide information about resources and accommodations and clarify the rights for health and educational services and supports.
FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Resources to Support Individuals with Long COVID
View the administration's fact sheet offering guidance for people with Long COVID on their rights and protections under federal disability laws and regulations.
Presidential Memorandum on Addressing the Long-Term Effects of COVID-19
Read President Biden’s Memorandum committing to redoubling efforts to support the American people in addressing the long-term effects of COVID-19 on their lives and on society.