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This guidance was drafted by the Scottish Drugs Forum in collaboration with the Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Prevention Leads Network, co-ordinated by the Scottish Health Protection Network.
Disclaimer COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving pandemic with national advice and guidance updated regularly. This document is accurate at the point of publication and will be reviewed regularly and updates issued as and when required.
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Guidance from Vancouver Coastal Health Authority on safer use strategies to avoid the transmission of COVID-19.
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This document provides guidance specific for homeless service providers (such as overnight emergency shelters, day shelters, and meal service providers) during the outbreak of COVID-19 virus. Homeless service providers should collaborate, share information, and review plans with local health officials to help protect their staff, clients and guests.
We’re now witnessing two public health crises collide: the devastating COVID-19 pandemic and the unrelenting drug poisoning crisis that is causing so many deaths. Caught in the crosshairs of this unprecedented disaster are people who use drugs and the frontline harm reduction and healthcare workers who support them. Unlike many of us, they do not have the option to stay home and self-isolate, because many may not have a home, and others are performing critical work saving lives each and every day.
During this time of crisis, let’s help the people saving lives in desperate need of support. We’ve selected five organizations across Canada you can assist through donations of supplies and money. Please give where you can.
AIDS Saskatoon
This life-saving organization provides education, advocacy, support and outreach services for people living with and affected by HIV, AIDS and Hepatitis C in central and northern Saskatchewan. Donate here.
Vancouver Overdose Prevention Society (Vancouver, BC)
You can donate to the Vancouver Overdose Prevention Society here. The Overdose Prevention Society is in need of thermometers, soap, baby wipes, vitamins, and healthy food.
Toronto Overdose Prevention Society (Toronto, ON)
The Toronto Overdose Prevention Society accepts donations through their gofundme link or by direct e-transfer to [email protected]. They are also in need of personal protective equipment (PPE) – gloves, face masks, and hand sanitizer.
Boyle Street Community Services (Edmonton, AB)
Since 1971, Boyle Street Community Services has been supporting people experiencing homelessness and poverty in Edmonton. You can donate to them online here.
Turning Point Society (Red Deer, AB)
For over 30 years, Turning Point Society has been responding to the health needs of communities using a harm reduction approach. The organization is in urgent need of masks and hand sanitizer. You can also give online here.
Other Resources
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought into sharp relief the flaws in our system of laws and policies around marginalized communities. At this time of crisis, please keep the health and wellbeing of those on the frontlines and individuals without shelter and resources in your hearts.
Stay safe, and please give generously where you can.
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Guidance from the Yale Program in Addiction Medicine
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Be aware that some early symptoms of withdrawal and COVID-19 infection are similar. These include fever and muscle soreness. If symptoms include a persistent cough, it could be COVID-19.
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COVID-19, an illness caused by a newly identified type of coronavirus, can cause a respiratory infection and lead to health problems. It’s usually mild and most people recover quickly if they have it, but it can be very serious for people with stressed immune systems or underlying conditions or older adults, so it’s important to stay informed.
The most important thing is to be prepared and knowing what to do will help you. Even if you don’t see a widespread COVID-19 outbreak in your area, the hand-washing and other prevention actions described here are good practices for fighting off bugs like the cold or the flu.
Click HERE for more resources
COVID-19, an illness caused by a newly identified type of coronavirus, can cause a respiratory infection and lead to health problems. It’s usually mild and most people recover quickly if they have it, but it can be very serious for people with stressed immune systems or underlying conditions or older adults, so it’s important to stay informed.
The most important thing is to be prepared and knowing what to do will help you. Even if you don’t see a widespread COVID-19 outbreak in your area, the hand-washing and other prevention actions described here are good practices for fighting off bugs like the cold or the flu.
We, the undersigned scientists and scholars, produce methodologically-sound research and knowledge. We declare, clearly and unequivocally, that the findings contained in Albert’s SCS report were produced using unsound research methods and deficient analytic procedures.
Alberta’s SCS review does not satisfy the minimal standards for a credible evaluation or a quality study. The report lacks validity and reliability and, therefore, should not be used to inform public policy.