Public health measures to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Canada during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review

Abstract

ObjectiveThe main objectives of this study were to synthesise and compare pandemic preparedness strategies issued by the federal and provincial/territorial (P/T) governments in Canada and to assess whether COVID-19 public health (PH) measures were tailored towards priority populations, as defined by relevant social determinants of health.MethodsThis scoping review searched federal and P/T websites on daily COVID-19 pandemic preparedness strategies between 30 January and 30 April 2020. The PROGRESS-Plus equity-lens framework was used to define priority populations. All definitions, policies and guidelines of PH strategies implemented by the federal and P/T governments to reduce risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission were included. PH measures were classified using a modified Public Health Agency of Canada Framework for Canadian Pandemic Influenza Preparedness.ResultsA total of 722 COVID-19 PH measures were issued during the study period. Of these, home quarantine (voluntary) (n=13.0%; 94/722) and retail/commerce restrictions (10.9%; n=79/722) were the most common measures introduced. Many of the PH orders, including physical distancing, cancellation of mass gatherings, school closures or retail/commerce restrictions began to be introduced after 11 March 2020. Lifting of some of the PH orders in phases to reopen the economy began in April 2020 (6.5%; n=47/722). The majority (68%, n=491/722) of COVID-19 PH announcements were deemed mandatory, while 32% (n=231/722) were recommendations. Several PH measures (28.0%, n=202/722) targeted a variety of groups at risk of socially produced health inequalities, such as age, religion, occupation and migration status.ConclusionsMost PH measures centred on limiting contact between people who were not from the same household. PH measures were evolutionary in nature, reflecting new evidence that emerged throughout the pandemic. Although ~30% of all implemented COVID-19 PH measures were tailored towards priority groups, there were still unintended consequences on these populations.

Knowledge, Psychological Impacts, and Protective Behaviors During the First Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic Among Chinese Immigrants with School-Age Children in Canada

“…This study was conducted during the second month of Canada's nationwide lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, there was a general state of confusion and panic about COVID-19 both within and outside Canada [31,32,33]. This is the rst comprehensive study on the knowledge, behaviors, and psychological impacts related to COVID-19 in an overseas Chinese population.…”

“…Due to the high contagious and fatality rate of COVID-19, all schools and daycare institutions in Canada were closed at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak [ 28 29, 30]. Although the government has developed a guideline for school-age children, and education systems have offered online courses and psychological support to minimize the impact of the pandemic on students and their families, some of these measures have had unintended consequences [31].…”

Impact of COVID-19 on alcohol use disorder recovery: A qualitative study

“…With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, public health restrictions related to social distancing were introduced in an attempt to reduce rates of COVID-19 contraction and transmission (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020;Polisena et al, 2021). As a result, highly utilized mutual help organizations (MHOs) such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Self Management and Recovery Training (SMART), and other alcohol use disorder (AUD) recovery resources prohibited in-person meetings and migrated to an online setting.…”

Impact of COVID-19 on alcohol use disorder recovery: A qualitative study.

“…With the onset of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020, public health restrictions related to social distancing were introduced in an attempt to reduce rates of COVID-19 contraction and transmission (Polisena et al, 2021). As a result, highly utilized mutual help organizations (MHOs) such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Self Management and Recovery Training (SMART), and other alcohol use disorder (AUD) recovery resources prohibited in-person meetings and migrated to an online setting.…”