COVID-19 Resources
This web page contains information and resources related to harm reduction and overdose response in the context of COVID-19.
Information on COVID-19
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General Information
COVID-19
For all up to date information on COVID-19 including how it spreads, priority populations and clinical decision making support tools
Masks
For information on the use of facemasks
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Testing & Results
Self-Assessment Tool
Testing
Test Results
For information on how to get test results
Harm Reduction
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Outreach & Supply Distribution
Information for Outreach Teams
Tips for outreach services to maintain supplies and continue connections with clients who may be in quarantine.
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Substance Use
COVID-19, Alcohol and Cannabis Use
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction has developed this resource which outlines potential risks from alcohol and cannabis use during the COVID-19 pandemic, including how alcohol and cannabis use can affect the immune system and how measures such as physical distancing can increase alcohol and cannabis use.
COVID-19 and Cannabis Smoking and Vaping: Four Things You Should Know
Developed by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, topics covered in this resource include the potential impact of smoking or vaping cannabis on lung health, the potential impact on the immune system, how it can have an impact on people infected with COVID-19 and guidance for reducing harms.
Overdose Response
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Community Response
BCCDC Resource
For information on harm reduction and overdose response in community settings
Vancouver Coastal Health Community Resources
For additional information check out VCH's community resource page
Responding to drug overdoses during COVID-19
An information sheet outlining overdose response guidelines for responding to drug overdoses during COVID-19
Do I Keep Giving Naloxone?
This information sheet provides recommendation for responding to opioid overdoses, the importance of giving breaths, and the administration of multiple doses of naloxone
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OPS/SCS Guidelines
Using an OPS in the Context of COVID-19
Overdose prevention sites are an essential service and are working to keep you safe during COVID-19. This poster provides information on how to reduce risk of overdose and where to access OPS in BC.
Ministry of Health Resource
Vancouver Coastal Health Resource
COVID-19: Provincial Episodic Overdose Prevention Service (e-OPS) Protocol
This protocol has been developed to provide guidance and support to health and social service agency staff who observe or encounter people on site that need episodic overdose prevention services (e-OPS) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. -
Social Service Settings
OD Response for Social Service Settings & COVID-19 Checklist
This document has been created to provide guidance for service providers to develop overdose (OD) prevention and response polices/protocols in the context of COVID-19. Note, this must be adapted to your site.
Safer Supply
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Safer Supply Resources
BCCSU Interim Clinical Guidance for COVID-19
The Province of British Columbia with the BC Centre on Substance Use, issued interim guidance titled Risk Mitigation: in the Context of Dual Public Health Emergencies. This was developed for people who use substances to enable physical distancing and self-isolation measures, to reduce and prevent spread of COVID-19.
Refer to the BC Centre on Substance Use for other resources including guidance for prescribers and pharmacists, webinars and future resources.
Toolkit for Prescribers
This toolkit, developed by Health Canada, includes a number of resources that help to provide clarity regarding the rules that apply for substance use disorder treatment or providing a pharmaceutical grade alternative to the toxic street supply in Canada, in the context of COVID-19.
The toolkit documents can be accessed from this Dropbox Link.
Other Recommended Resource Lists
We recommend the following resource lists for further information about COVID-19 and harm reduction.
CANADIAN DRUG POLICY COALITION
FIRST NATIONS HEALTH AUTHORITY
MINISTRY OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS