Assembly Resolution No. 984

BY: M. of A. Hevesi

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
March 15, 2024, as Long COVID Education and
Awareness Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to increase
awareness of serious health conditions that affect the lives of citizens
of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, New Yorkers
have shown resilience, strength, and a commitment to community health
and well-being; and

WHEREAS, Many individuals who have recovered from the acute phase of
COVID-19 continue to suffer from lingering and debilitating health
issues known as "long COVID" or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2
infection (PASC); and

WHEREAS, Long COVID is characterized by a wide range of symptoms
such as fatigue, difficulty breathing, chest pain, cognitive
disruptions, and neurological symptoms, which persist for weeks or
months beyond the initial illness; and

WHEREAS, The State of New York acknowledges the necessity for
widespread education and awareness about long COVID and the importance
of vaccinations to better understand and combat the impact of this
condition; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated education and awareness efforts are essential to
inform healthcare providers, educators, employers, and the general
public about the realities of long COVID, the benefits of vaccination,
and to destigmatize the condition; and

WHEREAS, The COVID-19 vaccines have played a critical role in
reducing the spread of the virus, preventing severe illness, and saving
countless lives across our state and nation; and

WHEREAS, Vaccination against COVID-19 is an essential tool in our
public health arsenal to protect not only individuals but also reduce
the burden on our healthcare system and mitigate the risk of long-term
complications associated with the virus, including long COVID; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that we support ongoing research into the
long-term effects of COVID-19, the development of effective treatments,
and the dissemination of resources to assist those living with long
COVID, while also emphasizing the importance of vaccinations in
preventing the disease and its complications; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 15, 2024, as Long
COVID Education and Awareness Day in the State of New York and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.