International Long COVID Awareness Day 2026 Highlights Ongoing Impact of Long COVID

Long COVID is a mass disabling event affecting hundreds of millions, straining healthcare systems, disrupting economies, and devastating families. Some have not returned to work at all, contributing to labor shortages and economic stability. COVID-19 infection continue globally, and reinfection carries major risks.

Long COVID is not rare. It is not mild. It is not over.

As International Long COVID Awareness Day approaches on March 15th, there remains an urgent need for prevention, research, funding, and long-term care for people suffering with Long COVID. Hundreds of millions worldwide continue to be infected with SARS-CoV-2, and many are still developing Long COVID. The World Health Organization estimates 10–20% of those infected experience prolonged symptoms.

Many with this chronic disease experience serious, life-altering complications after one or multiple COVID-19 infections, including: cardiac, neurological, and multi-organ damage, as well as fatigue, chronic pain, autoimmune disease, and new allergies. Long COVID is associated with more than 200 symptoms. For many, it has reshaped or destroyed daily life; affecting careers, education, and financial stability. Many have become disabled and are less visible in public, contributing to the veil of this global emergency.

"Long COVID is impacting millions of people across every community. This disease is disrupting careers, families, and futures. We call on our global governments and healthcare to take action now!”— Angela, ILCA

For International Long COVID Awareness Day there will be at least 513+ landmarks in 34 U.S. States and 20 countries around the world lit up teal, mostly on March 15th (#LitForLongCovid). Confirmed participating landmarks include Los Angeles City Hall, Niagara Falls, the CN Tower, Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Angeles, the Capitol in Puerto Rico, Cardiff Castle, and many more. Individuals are encouraged to light up their homes or businesses teal and wear teal to show solidarity.

Landmarks in New York illuminating on March 15h include:

- Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens Dome
- M&T Bank Plaza, Buffalo
- Peace Bridge, Buffalo
- David N. Dinkins Municipal Building, New York
- Gotham Hall, New York
- Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls
- Mid-Hudson Bridge, Poughkeepsie
- Joseph A. Floreano Convention Center, Rochester
- The Metropolitan, Rochester
- Tonawanda City Hall
- Bush Memorial at Russell Sage College, Troy

To bring further awareness to Long COVID there will be demonstrations and advocacy events taking place around the globe on or around March 15th in the:

United States
- Los Angeles, California
- Annapolis, Maryland
- Olympia, Washington

Belgium
- Brussels

Canada
- Calgary
- Montreal
- Toronto
- Vancouver

France
- Paris

Scotland

Spain
- Bilbao
- Zaragoza

Because many people with Long COVID are bedbound or homebound, the campaign will also feature accessible virtual events and online advocacy actions to ensure that Long COVID patient voices are heard.

More events and actions taking place comprise of a 24 hour Long COVID Twitter/X marathon space, a Long COVID digital billboard in Times Square of New York City, live artistic performances, and more throughout the month of March.

The community will also honor those who have died due to Long COVID on International Long COVID Memorial Day, March 14th.

Visit the website listed at bottom for a full calendar of events.

We must invest in prevention, fund research, expand access to screening, treatment, and disability support. We must protect future generations. Air purification, clean air systems, and high quality respirators are vital for the mitigation of SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Every infection matters. Every patient is somebody. Every heartbeat counts.

Long COVID Statistics
* An estimated 400 million+ worldwide have contracted Long COVID
* An estimated 5,000 Long COVID deaths in the U.S. (an undercount)
* 52% Stroke, 63% Heart Attack, 72% Heart Failure risk increase year after COVID Infection
* $3.7 trillion estimated cost of Long COVID to U.S. economy (2022)
* 2-4 million people estimated to be out of work due to Long COVID in U.S. (2022)

Go to www.longcovidawareness.life⁠ to see the events calendar, press kit, and more.

Contact for questions, comments, or press inquiries:
International Long Covid Awareness
longcovidawareness@gmail.com

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