Long Covid will surge among young, England’s chief medic warns

Prof Chris Whitty says long illness will be 'a worry' when last restrictions are lifted

Hannah Ryan, 22, receives her first Pfizer vaccine on June 6 in Stanmore, Greater London. Getty Images

"Long Covid" is set to soar among younger people in England when remaining coronavirus restrictions are lifted, the country's chief medical officer said on Tuesday.

Prof Chris Whitty said that while he expected death rates to be “much lower” than in earlier waves, long illness from the coronavirus remains “a worry".

“Since there’s a lot of Covid at the moment and the rates are going up, I regret to say I think we will get a significant amount more long Covid, particularly in the younger ages where the vaccination rates are currently much lower,” Prof Whitty said.

Long Covid refers to a wide range of health problems that can persist for months after the infection, including fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain and cognitive disturbances.

Prof Whitty was addressing the Local Government Association’s online conference on Tuesday.

He said the UK must “push hell for leather” to reduce coronavirus rates and ensure everyone is vaccinated to prevent a major rise in long Covid.

Prof Whitty also urged people not to expect a swift return to normal after restrictions were lifted, and said he would be surprised if Britain returned to the “status quo” by next spring.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced plans on Monday to end social distancing and capacity limits at venues in England from July 19, with a final decision to be made next week.