Globally, economists are estimating the productivity costs of Long Covid. LC is common & affects working-age adults. Costs add up fast to large numbers (9 countries -> 0.5-2.3% of GDP).
What are the costs to New Zealand? No-one appears to be counting.
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phcc.org.nz/briefing/long-…
What are the costs to New Zealand? No-one appears to be counting.
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phcc.org.nz/briefing/long-…
In our Briefing out today, we review some international evidence on the economic impacts of Long Covid, consider the potential effects in the NZ context, and outline actions that the NZ Government can take to mitigate these costs.
@PaulaLorgelly
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@PaulaLorgelly
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Three key actions:
1. Reduce Covid-19 case numbers
- use evidenced public health measures: clean the indoor air!
- expand eligibility & coverage of Covid vaccines
...ensuring that these protections are in place for workforces & sectors at high risk of Covid-19 and Long Covid.
1. Reduce Covid-19 case numbers
- use evidenced public health measures: clean the indoor air!
- expand eligibility & coverage of Covid vaccines
...ensuring that these protections are in place for workforces & sectors at high risk of Covid-19 and Long Covid.
2. Strengthen occupational support across all sectors
to protect health and occupational performance, including providing formal screening and support in occupations where occupational performance has safety implications.
Cognitive dysfunction in the workplace is concerning.
to protect health and occupational performance, including providing formal screening and support in occupations where occupational performance has safety implications.
Cognitive dysfunction in the workplace is concerning.
3. Conduct comprehensive research and economic modelling of acute Covid-19 infection and Long Covid impacts, to quantify the true value of preventive action.
rnz.co.nz/news/national/…
rnz.co.nz/news/national/…
All serious infectious diseases have the potential to cause chronic disease.
When an infection is common, its longer term health impacts become common too. This is why pandemics cast long shadows of chronic disease in populations.
The cost of inaction adds up fast.
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When an infection is common, its longer term health impacts become common too. This is why pandemics cast long shadows of chronic disease in populations.
The cost of inaction adds up fast.
6/
Unlike earlier generations, we can characterise our pandemic virus. We know its capabilities.
It is not flu and not a cold.
NZ’s response to the ongoing high Covid-19 baseline needs to be strategic, evidence-informed, & proportionate.
We cannot afford any other option.
/fin
It is not flu and not a cold.
NZ’s response to the ongoing high Covid-19 baseline needs to be strategic, evidence-informed, & proportionate.
We cannot afford any other option.
/fin
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