The Trump administration is shuttering HHS’ long COVID office as it reorganizes the federal health department, Politico reported March 24.
For years, long COVID patient advocacy groups have asked government agencies for more treatment-focused research amid a lack of therapies for the condition that affects an estimated 23 million Americans.
On March 24, an internal HHS email announced the closure, but did not specify the timeline or whether staff would remain federal government employees, the report said.
“We are writing to let you know that the Office of Long COVID Research and Practice will be closing as part of the administration’s reorganization coming this week,” read an email obtained by Politico. “We are proud of what we have accomplished together advancing understanding, resources and support for people living with long COVID.”
An HHS spokesperson did not immediately respond to the outlet’s request for comment.
