A report issued on Thursday by Canada's Chief Science Advisor described COVID-19 as the "head" of the pandemic and Long COVID as the "tail," as the disease causes significant harm to individuals, their families, and the country's economy.

Dr. Mona Nemer said that about 10 to 20 percent of people infected with COVID-19 experience its long-term effects after recovering from the infection, suffering from a variety of symptoms ranging from high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats to medically unspecified symptoms such as chronic fatigue, brain fog, muscle pain, and blurred vision.

Nemer said about the broader implications of Long COVID, also known as post-COVID condition or PCC: "The future social and economic effects for Canada may be far-reaching and require planning and monitoring. An analysis of the social and economic impact of PCC from other countries, including the UK and the US, indicates significant effects on the labor market and GDP, as well as health costs and demands."

Nemer also added that Canada may face a "mass disability event" because it is increasingly clear that COVID-19 increases the risk of many chronic diseases, including diabetes and hypertension, adding that the number of people with Long COVID may be larger than expected due to underreporting.

The Canadian Statistics Agency reported late last year that about 15 percent of adults in the country reported some symptoms of Long COVID at least three months after a positive COVID-19 test, numbering 1.4 million people.

Nemer also presented 18 recommendations, including establishing a nationwide research and clinical care network in Canada, along with standardized assessments and clinical guidelines.

In response, the federal government announced on Thursday $29 million in funding to develop clinical guidelines and establish an online network where researchers and doctors can exchange information about Long COVID with each other and with the public.

Public Health Agency of Canada also said that $20 million will be allocated to the Long COVID Web research network, led by Dr. Angela Cheung, Chief Medical Officer and Scientist at the University Health Network in Toronto.

The funding, from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, will enable Cheung to work with about 300 researchers, doctors, and Long COVID patients to develop diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Cheung said researchers across the country will now have the opportunity to share resources and learn from each other.

Additionally, PHAC said the remaining $9 million will go to McMaster University to develop clinical practice guidelines for those who have recovered from COVID-19 infection but still suffer symptoms.

Specialized Long COVID clinics and rehabilitation services are available in some provinces, including British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec.

Nemer's report said the number and exact locations of these clinics are not easily available, and patients endure long wait times to access any services they can.

A spokesperson for the British Columbia Ministry of Health said in an email response that there are four clinics, after one was closed and merged with another last September.

However, the ministry said all clinics will close on April 1 and transition to a virtual clinic, citing a decline in referrals.

It said that in May 2021, there were 755 referrals to the clinics but the number dropped to 80 in each of October, November, and December 2022.

The ministry said the shift to a single virtual clinic, from one location each in Vancouver, Surrey, Abbotsford, and Victoria, will provide "province-wide access to care."