New figures revealed today found that up to 139,330 Londoners across the capital have had or are experiencing long COVID according to the London Assembly, the 25-member cross-party body tasked with holding the Mayor of London to account. The London Assembly Health Committee has written to the Mayor of London on what he can do to help those across the capital who are living with long COVID.
The most recent figures, taken from London.gov.uk, show that there have been 696,649 cases of COVID across the capital. Recent research by ONS has shown that up to one in five people across the country have, or are, experiencing long COVID which means that up to 139,330 people are experiencing longer term effects of the virus which has also killed more than 12,000 people across the capital.
Long COVID is when the symptoms of COVID-19 last for weeks and months. The symptoms of long COVID include fatigue, breathlessness, anxiety and depression, palpitations, chest pain, joint or muscle pain and not being able to think straight or focus.
The letter calls on the Mayor of London to ensure that London’s health system is prepared to deal with the lasting health effects of this virus, as many Londoners are dealing with ongoing health issues linked to the pandemic.
Dr Onkar Sahota, Chair of the London Assembly Health Committee said,
“COVID cases may be falling around the city but the long-term side effects of this horrific virus are causing worry, stress and despair for many people who have yet to receive a diagnosis. There is increasing recognition that long COVID is affecting tens of thousands of people, has unknown long-term health effects and makes life miserable for those that get it and their families. Those suffering from long COVID will endure greater stress and will need extra support to make a full recovery.
“Londoners, who before catching COVID-19 were healthy and active are now no longer able to walk or run the distances that they used to without getting out of breath. Some people who are experiencing long COVID have been unable to work or walk 10 metres without needing to take a break. For many, COVID does not go away after two weeks, it lingers making life a misery for those it refuses to leave.
“We have been focused on the here and now in dealing with the pandemic but now need to face up to the deeply worrying trend of the lasting health issues that this virus can cause. As COVID-19 continues to spread, our city must be prepared to treat those Londoners who are experiencing prolonged symptoms linked to this deadly virus, all of which are having a devasting impact on their quality of life.“
Related documents
Long COVID - Health Committee letter - March 2021
Notes to editors
- Read the letter here.
- Dr. Onkar Sahota, Chair of the Health Committee is available for interview.
- Find out more about the work of the Health Committee.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For more details, please contact Aoife Nolan in the Assembly Media Office on 020 7983 4067. For out of hours media enquiries please call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the Assembly duty press officer.