Province launches long COVID web page after N.B. group releases government documents

The New Brunswick government has launched a new web page about post COVID-19 condition, more commonly known as long COVID, including a list of symptoms, self-care tips for people suffering from the condition, as well as advice for their loved ones. 

It comes on the heels of the PoP (Protect our Province) NB advocacy group releasing hundreds of pages of government documents and emails regarding "discussions of long COVID," obtained through a right to information request.

"The [RTI] response brings to light a shocking level of deception perpetrated against the people of NB, under which true magnitude of risk was hidden and the fundamental precepts of public health were abandoned," @HallwayOrchard, a member of the group, posted on Twitter earlier this month.

He called on Public Health to inform the public of the "true risks of forced exposure," after protective COVID-19 measures, such as masking, were lifted in March, and to "atone" by providing support to those harmed by its alleged neglect.

"Post COVID-19 condition is currently an actively researched field of study," said Department of Health spokesperson Adam Bowie. "Public Health officials believe in responsible government, which means reviewing and vetting this information, and ensuring it is rigorously tested and relevant for the public."

"The most meaningful information is shared with the public when it's deemed relevant by Public Health officials," Bowie said in an emailed statement.

The Public Health Agency of Canada updated its guidance for the condition on Oct. 20, and the province adopted that definition for its own use, he said.

The web page content was approved by department senior management on Nov. 4, according to Bowie — before PoP NB posted its RTI documents. It was then sent for translation.

"The final versions of the web content, in both languages, were approved on Nov. 24 and posted shortly afterwards," he said.

Asked why the department did not announce the new web page and hasn't been promoting it, Bowie did not respond.

Long COVID is a catch-all term for a range of post-infection health impacts, such as fatigue, brain fog and sleep problems, for weeks, months or years.

"There is a small number of people who continue to have COVID-19 symptoms for more than 12 weeks," the government's new web page on the COVID-19 website states. "This sickness is called Post COVID-19 condition."

It's unclear how many New Brunswickers suffer from long COVID because the province doesn't track it.

"It should be noted that because there's no identified diagnostic marker for the condition, it's unlikely any jurisdiction can provide accurate numbers of patients affected by Post COVID-19 condition," said Bowie. "As you know, many COVID infections go unreported, and the diagnosis of this condition is one that involves ruling out other issues, and may take time."