New research led by Dr. Stephanie Scott found people in the North of England are among the worst affected by long COVID, which follows patterns highlighting the devastating impact of COVID-19 across northern regions in comparison to southern areas. Regional inequalities are evident in the North East and Yorkshire, where rates in the most deprived areas were 5.
2% higher than in the less deprived areas. The regions with the lowest rates were the South West (3.4%) and the South East (3.
6%), which falls below the average for England at 4.4%. The report , published by Health Equity North, shows the alarming inequalities in long COVID rates and a clear North-South divide.
'Our research offers a glimpse into reality' As part of the research, academics conducted interviews with participants who have experienced or continue to experience long COVID, and the findings showed the significant impact it has on the personal and professional lives of those with the condition. Many of the participants involved in the research had been demoted, fired, forced to resign, or switched to part-time work because of long COVID, and upon investigation, only 3 out of 10 northern employers contacted offered a specific rehabilitation package to employees living with long COVID. Dr.
Stephanie Scott, lead author of the report and senior lecturer in public health at Newcastle University, said, "Long COVID is a complex condition that goes beyond physical and mental symptoms , affecting other parts of people'.