Your Weekly News & Updates
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COVID-19 outbreak has likely peaked in Ontario
Yesterday the Ontario government released updated COVID-19 modelling, which shows that the enhanced public health measures are working to contain the spread of the virus and flatten the curve. However, the Chief Medical Officer of Health says emergency measures must remain in place to continue reducing the number of cases and deaths.
A reminder that the Ministry has created a new website (https://covid-19.ontario.ca/) that includes the link to check your lab results if you have been tested for COVID-19, allows you to take the self-assessment and includes up to date number of COVID-19 cases, that is updated daily at 10:30 a.m.
Open letter on PPE in primary care during COVID-19
On Wednesday, April 15 an open letter regarding the lack of PPE in Primary Care during COVID-19 was released from the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO), Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario (NPAO) and the Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP). On behalf of our members we are seeking urgent assistance from Ontario’s Ministry of Health in ensuring access to appropriate PPE in order to safeguard patient access to primary care.
We are recommending that the Ontario Ministry of Health immediately streamline the procurement of PPE through one central source for distribution to primary care through Ontario Health/regions and not leave primary care clinics to have to find PPE on their own. Read the full letter here.
We are happy to hear that discussions related to the lack of PPE are continuing at the newly created Provincial Primary Care Advisory Table and at the Ontario Health regional tables.
COVID-19 provincial testing guidance update and more
The Ministry released multiple updates, including with situation report #83 last week, such as:
- COVID-19 Provincial Testing Guidance Update April 15, 2020
- Quick Reference PH Guidance on Testing and Clearing Cases- English and French
- Mental Health and Addiction Residential Guidance 2020-04-17
We continue to update several pages on our site with resources and news:
- Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates– the original page, with news and Ministry situation reports (please note that the Ministry Situation Reports on COVID-19 are posted daily so review them to better understand the provincial response)
- COVID-19 assessment centres across Ontario (updated daily; members only per Ministry request)
- COVID-19 information for Patients, Caregivers and the Public
- Infection control resources and tools for primary care
- H+K Memos and Insight Notes on Government Press Releases
- Management and operations, human resources and COVID-19– updated English and French case definitions and a new directive as of Mar. 30
- Mental health and wellness during COVID-19
- Providing Comprehensive Care During COVID-19
- Virtual Care, Digital Health and COVID-19
We’ll update these on a regular basis as we receive relevant resources, while trying to reduce duplication with other sources. We will continue to update the news page daily.
Virtual annual general meetings
Virtual collaboration is being considered and used more than ever considering the pandemic. On March 31, 2020, the Government of Ontario issued an Emergency Order that permits nonprofits to hold meetings of directors, shareholders, and members electronically or over the phone, even if there is legislation or bylaws (ex: Ontario’s Corporations Act) that say otherwise.
Boards may consider this option for their Annual General Meetings (AGM). The Ontario Non-profit Network (ONN) has provided some tools to help boards move AGMs online and to facilitate them effectively and efficiently. Get resources here.
Leadership in a crisis- one-page guide
The coronavirus has caused LEADS Canada to shift immediately and dramatically to offering support to health leaders across the country in leading through (and following) the pandemic.
In response, they developed a one-page guide called “Leadership in a Crisis”, which is based on recent research and input from a cadre of health and military experts (listed at the bottom of the document).
Faces of COVID- Healthy Debate seeking frontline worker profiles
Healthy Debate is looking to share the experience of frontline workers. If you are or if you know anyone currently on the front lines of COVID-19, send an email to contactus@healthydebate.ca or DM them on Twitter.
CMHA Ontario and Mental Health Works Webinars – In response to COVID-19 pandemic, April 22, 2020
For health care professionals and workers: with topics relevant to both hospitals and clinics, as well as telehealth professionals and those who work to support patient outcomes, such as custodial staff, security professionals, and administrators.
General Workplace Supports:
- Being Mindful at Work (office and from home) –(FR) April 22, 1 pm
Less is More: Resource Stewardship in Primary Care During COVID-19, April 22, 2020
Learn what primary care practices and re-organizing resources can protect staff while ensuring continuity of care in response to COVID-19. Choosing Wisely Canada invites you to their weekly discussions. Learn more here.
Optimizing Care of the Elderly and Long-term Care Residents during the Pandemic, April 23, 2020
Tune into this CFPC webinar hosted by AFHTO’s VP, Dr. Allan Grill. This webinar is part of the CFPC’s COVID-19 Pivots. Links will be available here.
Investigating The Current And Potential Use Of EMR Data For Primary Health Care Performance Measurement Across Canadian Jurisdictions, April 28, 2020
Hosted by the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, listen in on the key findings for jurisdictions that are optimize EMR data and performance measurement. Learn more here.
Ask Me Anything about Health Privacy, May 6, 2020
These monthly webinars give you the chance to ask Kate Dewhirst about your Health Privacy concerns. Register here.
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