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A U.S. Census Bureau survey found that 16.3 million working-age Americans currently have long COVID. Long COVID is the long-term effects stemming from the COVID-19 infection. About 25.9% of people with long COVID reported that their condition affected their employment or working hours. Most remain employed but work fewer hours compared to their long COVID-free counterparts.
The number of workers with long COVID who are kept out of the workforce is between 2-4 million. If we took the midpoint of 3 million, that would equal 1.8% of the entire U.S. workforce. Based on the average U.S. wage of $1,106 per week, it’s estimated that with 1.8% of the workforce out of work due to long COVID, around $170 billion a year will be lost in unearned wages.
With so many out of work, employers should continue to monitor trends such as long COVID rates, the effect long COVID had on their workforce’s productivity, and other related issues so they can be prepared to respond effectively. Download the bulletin for more details.
Additional Resource
Understanding Long COVID Infographic
This blog is intended to be a compilation of information and resources pulled from federal, state, and local agencies. This is not intended to be legal advice. For up to the minute information and guidance on COVID-19, please follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and your local health organizations.