Individuals with ‘lengthy COVID’ can be coated beneath federal disability regulation

Americans with “long-term COVID” are entitled to the benefits and protection provided under federal disability law, the HHS and the US Department of Justice announced on July 26th.

The agencies said COVID-19 can be considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act for people who continue to have symptoms for weeks or months after they first develop COVID -19.

The news comes the same day the agencies mark the 31st anniversary of ADA. In a speech in the Rose Garden on July 26, President Joe Biden listed some of the persistent effects of COVID-19, including “breathing problems, brain fog, chronic pain or fatigue,” reports the New York Times.

The President noted that the resources will include specialized accommodation and services in the workplace, schools and the health system.

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