Letter: Disappointed city funds not used for long COVID
I’m extremely disappointed about the City Council’s vote to use $39 million in federal funds (“Council ‘reprograms’ $39M in federal COVID funds,” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 27).
I suggested, belatedly, that they assist those with “long COVID,” a direct effect of COVID-19. Instead, some of that $39 million will go toward indirect effects, i.e., “green” projects or a multi-agency approach to crime.
About 20 million Americans have long COVID (continuation of symptoms one to three months after initial infection). At least 4 million are unable to work; the annual cost of lost wages is about $170 billion a year.
As someone who couldn’t work, I was denied disability benefits and forced to retire and receive a pension to stabilize my finances.
There are so many in Hawaii who are sick and don’t have options for financial assistance.
That money would’ve benefited many, had the City Council given a thought to long COVID.
Bonnie Chan
Aiea
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