Local groups talking long Covid impacts this Saturday

The symposium will take place on Albany State University's east campus Saturday starting at 10 a.m.

ALBANY, Ga. – While Covid-19 is no longer a public health emergency, many in Albany are experiencing long term effects of the disease, and here at Albany State University, a symposium is being held this weekend to talk about the impact.

For local pastor, Calvin Rollins, his congregation has felt the impact of Covid from the start…

And is still taking precautions to this day for many in his church.

“Many are still masking up. We have some who are still reluctant to come back, as of yet, because of it. And we try to hold our services to an hour, hour and a half, mostly because we don’t want to keep people in too long,” said Pastor Calvin Rollins, St. Paul’s Baptist Church.

That’s why public health liaisons are hosting a symposium this weekend, talking about the stigma and long term impacts Covid is having on certain demographics in the community.

“The workshop tomorrow will focus on the long term effects of Covid-19. And, we cannot ignore the facts that there are long term issues surrounding Covid-19. We can’t ignore that Covid-19 certainly had a mental impact,” said Elizabeth Lovett, Program Mgr. Healthcare Literacy Project, Albany

As the Healthcare Literacy Project, alongside groups like the Department of Public Health, and the City of Albany discuss the impacts of long Covid in the community, they want people to understand that long term effects can still happen to anyone.

“…We didn’t think that we could get it either. And so you never know who could get it. It’s still alive, the virus is still out there. And so we’re still trying to get the word out and the understanding and knowledge to our people, so that they will hopefully look at getting their shots done, looking out for the safety of their family, the safety of themselves,” said Pastor Calvin Rollins, St. Paul’s Baptist Church.

And, just as importantly, put an end to any stigmas about long-term Covid effects.

“We’re gonna have people who’ve had covid tell their story, their personal experience about how they managed to get through it. I think there’s going to be someone who, their children had gotten Covid, and the effects of that on the entire family,” said Elizabeth Lovett, Program Mgr. Healthcare Literacy Project, Albany

As health experts meet with members of the community about the impacts of long Covid, they’re making sure they’re prepared for the next public health emergency.

The symposium will take place on Albany State University’s east campus Saturday starting at 10 a.m.

Brian Roche reporting.

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