SNP ministers’ failure to address the threat of long Covid is dangerous time-wasting and must end, Scottish Labour has said.

Scottish government modelling has suggested that up to 105,000 people north of the border will experience Covid symptoms 12 weeks after first becoming infected. 

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that about 75,000 Scots are currently living with self-reported long Covid and this number is set to increase by up to 30,000. 

Sufferers have reported severe difficulty in their day-to-day lives and many have been unable to return to work. 

Despite this, Scotland trails behind the rest of Britain in facing up to the threat of the condition.   

Last Tuesday, Labour MSP Jackie Baillie asked First Minister Nicola Sturgeon why the government had not funded long Covid clinics in Scotland, with the SNP leader failing to say whether there are any plans to establish such facilities. 

Ms Baillie has now announced a proposal to begin discussions with all parties in the Scottish Parliament on the creation of a cross-party group on long Covid, which, it is hoped, will push the government to act.  

She warned that the public health was being put at risk.

“As we speak, around 100,000 Scots, including children, could be suffering from long Covid,” said the Scottish Labour deputy leader.

“The damage that this condition can and will do to the health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland and the strength of the economy cannot be overstated. 

“But the people of Scotland are already being left behind when it comes to specialist treatment. 

“We can and we must take action on long Covid now — there is no time to lose.”