More than 2 million people in England may have had long Covid, according to figures published this week which highlight the scale of the disease across the UK, and the challenges it poses. The React study, by Imperial College, shows about a third of people who report they have coronavirus symptoms continue to suffer from them for at least 12 weeks. The human and financial costs for those scarred by the disease are only beginning to be calculated. Each case highlights varying symptoms, a differing speed of recovery – and multiple problems around returning to work or, for those who cannot, claiming financial support. Many long Covid sufferers who fell ill in the first six months of the pandemic are now reaching the end of their sick pay entitlement, and having to apply for benefits. “Statutory sick pay runs out after six months, and it can’t be classed as a long-term disability unless you have been living with it for 12 months, so you have got this obvious gap,” said MP Layla Moran, chair of the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on coronavirus.