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Author: Canadian Drug Policy Coalition
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COVID-19: Information for OAT Prescribers and Pharmacists
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On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, a pandemic, citing concern over alarming levels of spread and severity across the globe. The novel coronavirus has caused a global outbreak of respiratory infections since its discovery in December 2019. For most, this coronavirus causes only mild to moderate symptoms including fever and cough, however, older adults and those with existing health problems are at greater risk for more severe symptoms such as pneumonia.
The situation regarding COVID-19 continues to evolve here in BC, Canada, and other jurisdictions in the world. Federal and provincial health officials have urged individuals on chronic medications to acquire an adequate supply of prescription drugs. Ensuring uninterrupted access to essential medications, including opioid agonist treatment (OAT) medications for patients with opioid use disorder, is of critical importance to reduce the risk of harms and death that can be associated with medication destabilization.
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Prescriber Guidelines Risk Mitigation in Dual Public Health Emergencies
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People in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) are doing their part to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 by self-isolating; we need to do our part in supporting them. VCH has new guidelines in place to help prescribers support people who use drugs (PWUD) who need assistance managing withdrawal symptoms due to COVID-19.
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COVID-19 Protocol for Aerosol-Generating Medical Procedures
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This protocol was developed in consultation with Toronto Public Health (TPH) infection prevention and control (IPAC) and Public Health Ontario (PHO) IPAC experts regarding the risks associated with AGMPs [(e.g., high flow oxygen therapy, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR)] in The Works.
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VCH COVID-19 Resources for Staff Working with Vulnerable Populations
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This document provides COVID-19 information and resources for community partners who work with vulnerable populations (homeless and under-housed people, and people with complex care and/or MHSU needs)
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What People Living with HIV Need to Know About HIV and COVID-19
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It’s important to underline that there is currently no strong evidence that people living with HIV are at an especially increased risk of contracting COVID-19 or if they do contract it they will experience a worse outcome.
This does not mean that people living with HIV should take COVID-19 lightly and they must take all precautions to protect themselves. As in the general population, older people living with HIV or people living with HIV with heart or lung problems may be at a higher risk of becoming infected with the virus and of suffering more serious symptoms.
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FAQ: Class Exemption for Controlled Substances during COVID-19
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The World Health Organization’s declaration on March 11, 2020, that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is now a pandemic and has marked a significant shift in the response from communities across Canada and at all levels of government.
In response to this evolving health risk, the Office of Controlled Substances has issued a short-term subsection 56(1) exemption from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act in the public interest. This exemption authorizes pharmacists to prescribe, sell, or provide controlled substances in limited circumstances, or transfer prescriptions for controlled substances.
