Department of Labor to tackle long COVID workplace challenges

The Office of Disability Employment Policy, Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs and other departments under the U.S. Department of Labor announced plans Tuesday to begin a “national online dialogue” to better understand the implications of long COVID in workplaces.

As part of the initiative, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Surgeon General are asking the public to provide ideas to better support workers coping with long COVID symptoms, their co-workers and their employers.

By some estimates, one in five people infected with COVID-19 in the U.S. may experience a wide range of symptoms for three months or more that include shortness of breath, fatigue, brain fog, heart palpitations, headaches, anxiety and depression,  according to the DOL.  

Specifically, the DOL is seeking public input on challenges workers face as they cope with symptoms and obstacles to obtaining disability benefits.