Long Covid is affecting how Americans work. Some are unable to work at all due to symptoms of the chronic illness.
The
overall labor impact of long Covid is tough to quantify. Estimates
suggest hundreds of thousands to millions may be out of work, at a time
when there are historic levels of job openings.
It is likely
underpinning dynamics contributing to inflation. Meanwhile, lost
earnings might translate to reduced household spending, or mean that
patients must lean on public assistance programs funded by taxpayer
dollars.....
The midpoint of her estimate — 3 million workers — accounts for 1.8%
of the entire U.S. civilian labor force. The figure may “sound
unbelievably high” but is consistent with the impact in other major
economies like the United Kingdom, Bach wrote in an August report. The figures are also likely conservative, since they exclude workers over age 65, she said.
“Mild
symptoms, employer accommodations or significant financial need can all
keep people with long Covid employed,” Bach said. “But in many cases,
long Covid impacts work."....