Biden says 'long Covid' could qualify as a disability under federal law

Those suffering from long-term symptoms could qualify for workplace and school accommodations and other support under federal law.

July 26, 2021, 1:25 PM EDT
By Lauren Egan

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden announced Monday that serious long-term Covid-19 cases could qualify as a disability, making federal protections and resources available to those suffering from the disease.

Speaking at an event at the White House celebrating the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, he said that lingering Covid symptoms, such as fatigue or brain fog, "can sometimes rise to the level of a disability."

"We're bringing agencies together to make sure Americans with long Covid who have a disability have access to the rights and resources that are due under the disability law, which includes accommodations and services in the workplace and school, and our health care system so they can live their lives in dignity," Biden said.

The departments of Health and Human Services, Justice, Education and Labor released guidelines to help individuals experiencing effects of long-term Covid navigate federal benefits.

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