Full article: https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018875322/300-000-cases-of-long-covid-study
New research conducted for the Ministry of Health estimates around 300 thousand New Zealanders may have Long Covid, and reccomends the establishment of dedicated long Covid clinics around the country.
The survey of nearly 1000 people was conducted for the Ministry by Victoria University epidemologist Dr Mona Jeffreys and Senior Māori Researcher Dr Lynn Russell.
It found 22 per cent of participants had symptoms of long covid, and that Maori, Pasifika and people with disabilities in particular experienced barriers to primary healthcare.
Their report also calls for long Covid to be recognised as a disability and for employers to provide sick leave that enables people to stay at home while they are unwell. Kathryn speaks with co-lead investigator and epidemiologist Dr Mona Jeffreys.