The Biden administration on Monday released guidance and resources to support people experiencing long-term effects of Covid-19, known as “long Covid,” as the condition shapes up to be a major, long-term public health issue.
This announcement comes at a time when President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris marked the 31st Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act with remarks in Rose Garden at The White House.
According to guidance issued by the Office for Civil Rights at both the US Department of Health and Human Services and US Department of Justice, some people with long Covid might be eligible for protection against discrimination because of their disability under civil rights laws.
Additionally, the administration provided guidance regarding children with long Covid and children with disabilities. It also updated information on where people can find resources and accommodation.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Long Covid or post-Covid is a general term that refers to a range of mental and physical problems that may develop four weeks or more after a Covid-19 infected person.
It is difficult to determine how many people are affected by the condition. You may experience shortness of breath and fatigue, headaches, anxiety, depression, and pain.
Biden spoke out about the work of disability advocates, and also praised the bipartisan roots that the Americans with Disabilities Act.
As the White House pushes for a bipartisan agreement in Congress to rebuild America’s crumbling infrastructure, the speech is timely. Capitol Hill is currently deciding the fate of the bipartisan infrastructure framework.
Monday’s speech by Biden emphasized the ADA as a crucial piece of legislation that will benefit over 60 million Americans with disabilities. He also highlighted how the legislation had a “real impact on real people.”
According to a White House official, the President was expected to mention the law as it “prevents disabled Americans from being denied food or service in restaurants or grocery stores, allows a person with a disability to ride a bus or train to school or work and stops employers from refusing to employ workers due to a disability,” the official spoke to Daily Reuters before the speech.
According to a Daily Reuters official, Biden would also be expected to mention that “too many disabled Americans still face obstacles to freedom and equality.” Biden will highlight in his economic proposals the provisions that address the needs of Americans with disabilities. This includes expanding access to long-term support and services for those with disabilities.
Second gentleman Doug Emhoff, bipartisan leaders from Congress and advocates for the disabled community joined the President and Vice President. Biden also signed a proclamation to mark the anniversary of the passage of the law.