Long Covid and labor shortage.

The labor shortage affecting Hawaii's recovery from the pandemic, according to Carl Bonham, executive director of the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization (UHERO), may be partially attributed to long-term covid, a condition marked by persistent health issues that can continue for an extended amount of time. Tens of thousands of people in Hawaii may have moderate to severe long-term COVID which may be making them work fewer hours or give up side employment, according to a report from UHERO. Long-term COVID symptoms include fatigue, trouble focusing, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath, and it can be considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. According to assessments that UHERO has been conducting throughout the state, as many as 30,000 to 40,000 people could be suffering from moderate to severe extended Covid. Long Covid, yet another factor contributing to labor shortage.