Coronavirus Vaccine Updates: Most 'long haulers' experience neurological symptoms 6 weeks after virus

COVID-19 Live Updates, News and Information

ByEyewitness News WABC logo

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Study finds most long haulers have symptoms 6 weeks after virus

The study was conducted by Northwestern University on long haulers.

NEW YORK (WABC) -- There are new details on the lasting COVID symptoms being experienced by so-called "long haulers."

According to a new study by Northwestern University, 85% of long haulers experience neurological symptoms more than six weeks after having the virus.

The most common of these symptoms is brain fog. Some also experienced headaches, numbness, and tingling.

None of those studied were hospitalized with the virus.

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Here are more of today's headlines:

Regal Cinemas to reopen in April

Regal Cinemas, the second largest movie theater chain in the U.S., will reopen beginning April 2, its parent company, Cineworld Group, announced Tuesday. Regal had been one of most notable holdouts in the gradual reopening of cinemas nationwide. For nearly half a year, its 7,211 screens and 549 theatres in the U.S. have been dark. Doors will open early next month with attendance limited to 25% to 50% capacity in about 500 locations

AMNH planetarium reopening

Hayden Planetarium Space reopens with limited capacity inside the American Museum of Natural History on Wednesday, after a year of being closed.

The museum has been open since September, but the Planetarium remained closed until after movie theaters across the city could reopen.

Because of social distancing requirements, only up to 48 visitors will be welcomed to each showing in the Space Theater, which ordinarily seats up to 429. There will be seven shows daily.

New York State Assemblyman Ron Kim tests positive

Ron Kim announced on Tuesday that he has tested positive for COVID. He said he is feeling well and only has mild symptoms.

He will remain in quarantine and has canceled in-person engagements for the next 10 days.

New York State Assembly Speaker tests positive

Speaker of the New York State Assembly Carl Heastie announced he has tested positive for COVID-19.

"After feeling under the weather, I was tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result this morning," he said in a statement. "I am currently experiencing only extremely mild symptoms. I am in frequent contact with my physician and look forward to a full recovery. I received the first of two COVID vaccine doses on Saturday, March 6th. With the upcoming New York State budget deadline, I plan on remaining in the Capital Region and working from my Albany residence. This is a reminder to everyone that we must continue to be vigilant -wear a mask, wash your hands, practice social distancing and get tested if you are feeling any symptoms."

Hang on to that COVID-19 vaccination card -- it's important

Proof of vaccination may allow us to begin resuming our normal activities in the near future.

Photos that display the COVID-19 vaccination card like a badge of honor have been making the rounds on social media for months, but the card is more than fodder for selfies, it could be your ticket to freedom in the coming months -- so it should be protected as such.

Next batch of stimulus payments ramps up, including paper checks, debit cards

A fresh batch of Covid stimulus payments will be issued this week, the Biden administration announced Monday, including paper checks and debit cards for those whose bank information is not on file with the government.

Some of these payments are being sent via direct deposit with an official pay date of Wednesday, March 24.

Reputation of AstraZeneca's COVID vaccine marred by missteps

AstraZeneca's release Monday of encouraging data about its coronavirus vaccine from its U.S. trial raised hopes that the drug company could bury doubts about the shot and put a troubled rollout behind it.

But hours later, U.S. officials issued an unusual statement expressing concerns the company had included "outdated information" from its study and that it may have provided "an incomplete view of the efficacy data."

Vaccine eligibility expanded as state crosses grim milestone

New York has crossed another grim milestone in terms of COVID deaths, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday, on the same day the state expanded its vaccine eligibility.

More than 40,000 people have now died due in part to the novel coronavirus, with 53 additional deaths Monday. Statewide positivity was 4.74%, and 4,681 patients were hospitalized -- including 925 in the ICU.

NYC city workers to return May 3rd

NYC city workers will resume in-person work starting May 3, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday. Municipal office workers will return to city offices in phases over several weeks. With 80.000 employees, the city's municipal office workforce is the largest in the nation.

Interfaith memorial on Long Island honors victims of pandemic

The Nassau County Legislature led a ceremony in Mineola on Monday night to honor all those who lose their lives or loved ones in the past year from COVID-19.

The ceremony was also held to remember the heroic actions of all health care personnel and other essential workers.

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Many of us had a moment, most often occurring in March 2020, when we realized that COVID-19 had completely changed our lives forever. Even though we've managed to move forward and adapt to a new normal, that memory still sticks with us. Tell us: What was that moment to you?

Top 7 COVID vaccine questions answered

You had questions about COVID-19 vaccines and 7 On Your Side is getting you answers from doctors on the front line of the pandemic.