More than 100 teachers whose lives have been"shattered" by the virus claim they have been left with no support
Many of those diagnosed with long Covid said they have had to leave work, claim early pensions or battle for benefits. The disease, defined as symptoms that persist for more than 12 weeks following a Covid infection, is a chronic condition that affects about two million people in the UK. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, breathlessness, joint pain and memory loss.
Ms Mason, 36, said: “There was at first no guidance, and then when it did start coming through, it was left up to the interpretation of schools and it wasn’t enough to support headteachers to effectively keep staff safe. The rates of long Covid among teachers are similarly high. According to the Office for National Statistics, education staff and social care workers tied as the occupations with the greatest incidences of the illness.Ms Mason caught Covid three times at her school, but has suffered with long Covid since her first infection in March 2020. She said the disease had irrevocably altered her life, leaving her bedbound.
The NASUWT union has been calling for long Covid to be legally recognised as a disability under the Equality Act 2010 in order to enable patients to claim Personal Independence Payments and other benefits. A “Joint Protocol” created by a number of unions calls for policies such as phased returns to work, disability leave and a minimum of one year of full pay for those forced to be off work with the condition.
His life before and after contracting Covid is “chalk and cheese”, he said. “I’m a PE teacher by training – I was a really fit guy, cycling 200 miles a week before Covid – and now nothing. I can’t express how much of a complete mindf*** that is. Long Covid has stolen my life.”