Advocates for the tens of thousands of Scots living with Long COVID say they are continuing to experience huge gaps in care and support depending on where they live. It comes on the day that a number of Scottish landmarks are being lit up in teal – the colour chosen by the campaign organisation Long Covid Scotland to highlight Long COVID Awareness month throughout March

The World Health Organization estimates that between 10 and 20% of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 go on to develop Long COVID, which can persist for months or years.

People living with Long COVID experience a wide range of often debilitating symptoms, including severe fatigue, cognitive impairment (“brain fog”), neurological problems, chronic pain, breathlessness, and cardiovascular complications. For many, the condition has had life-changing consequences, affecting their ability to work, study, or take part in everyday activities.

The campaign group Long Covid Scotland, alongside Long Covid Kids says, despite funding being allocated for Long COVID, several specialist services established during earlier phases of the pandemic have now closed or reduced what they offer – making it difficult for people to get the assessment, rehabilitation and specialist support they need.

Long Covid Scotland is warning that COVID-19 cases are continuing and each person infected or reinfected runs the risk of Long COVID.

Still unfolding

A spokesperson added that, even as we approach the sixth anniversary of the first lockdown, the pandemic’s long-term health consequences are still unfolding:

“Long COVID continues to affect thousands of people across Scotland.

“For many, this condition has changed every aspect of their lives. Awareness is important, but it must be matched with meaningful action — including improving services, implementing previous recommendations, and ensuring people can access the care they need.”

The groups are calling for the next Scottish government and parliament to:

• Ensure consistent access to specialist care and rehabilitation services across Scotland, ending the postcode lottery in support
• Expand research into the causes, mechanisms, and treatment of Long COVID
• Improve clinical recognition and diagnosis of Long COVID across healthcare settings
• Invest in prevention and public health messaging to reduce COVID-19 infections and the risk of Long COVID.

Scottish landmarks being illuminated for International Long COVID Awareness Day include Edinburgh Castle; Smeaton Bridge and Perth and Kinross Civic buildings; Duke of Gordon Statue at Ladyhill, Elgin; Aberdeen Performing Arts; the Inverclyde Ship building statue; the Shipbuilders of Port Glasgow Statues (the Skelpies); the University of Glasgow; the Camera Obscura in Edinburgh.

Read more reporting on Long COVID: Infection risk petition set to fail; Long COVID putting Scots at risk of poverty; Weight management supports long COVID care; Working together to ensure No Life Half Lived

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