People with long COVID in Cheshire West and Chester

People with long COVID in Cheshire West and Chester asked to share their views to help shape services

Residents and employers are being asked to help explore the impact of long COVID in Cheshire West and Chester.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has launched two surveys to understand how individuals and businesses have been affected by the condition so that it can plan how best to offer support.

Long COVID is defined as symptoms that develop during or after an infection consistent with COVID-19, continue for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis.

Cllr Val Armstrong, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, said: “We are still learning about COVID-19, and long COVID in particular.

“We want to be able to develop the right kind of services to help if you, someone you care about or someone you employ is suffering from this condition, so we would ask you to complete these surveys and share your experiences.”

Long COVID can affect anyone who has been infected by COVID-19 and is not based on how seriously ill an individual is with their initial infection.

The Office for National Statistics estimates that there are currently around 945,000 people living in the UK and experiencing Long COVID (1), with an estimated 5,020 people in the borough living in private households with self-reported Long COVID (2).

The Council has developed two short surveys to help make sure it can offer appropriate services and support and that residents can access the information they need.

All the information provided will be treated in the strictest of confidence. No information will be released that could identify an individual, household or organisation.

Anyone who has been diagnosed with or has suspected, but undiagnosed, long COVID, or their friends and family, can share their views and experiences at: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/R4DYQM/

Any employers who have employees that have been diagnosed with or have suspected, but undiagnosed, long COVID can share their views and experiences at: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/7KI8YA/