Raising awareness of Long Covid’s lasting impact
People are encouraged to paint rocks, write constructive messages on them, and then leave them in public places. Photo/Sent to mbl.is
Today marks International Long Covid Day, and the ME Society is joining a global initiative throughout the month to highlight the serious and long-term effects of Long Covid—especially among children.
The initiative, Long Covid Rocks, aims to shed light on the challenges faced by children with Long Covid, improve public understanding, and urge government action.
The pandemic’s lingering toll
According to the ME Society, many children continue to suffer from debilitating post-Covid illnesses, preventing them from attending school or participating in daily life. Some are even confined to their homes or special care facilities due to their condition.
Despite the severity of the issue, public awareness and discussion remain limited, and there has been little action to provide these children with the necessary support.
Encouraging public participation
To raise awareness, the ME Society invites the public to take part in Long Covid Rocks in the following ways:
- Paint rocks with messages such as "Long Covid matters" , "Children with Long Covid" , or "Show support" .
- Place the rocks in visible public spaces like parks, schools, or walking paths to spark conversation.
- Share photos of the rocks on social media using the hashtags #LCKRocks, #MyLongCovidRock, #LCSteinninnMinn, and #EftirstodvarCovid.
A serious health crisis that demands attention
"Long Covid is a significant health crisis that has deeply affected many children and their families," the ME Society stated. "Public understanding is limited, and resources are scarce. Many families must fight just to have their child’s condition recognized."
Through Long Covid Rocks, the ME Society hopes to foster greater awareness, encourage dialogue, and drive meaningful change. The organization emphasizes that everyone can take part in the initiative to help bring visibility to this pressing issue.