Official Statements regarding COVID-19
Public Health Ontario – Coronavirus COVID-19
Government of Canada – Coronavirus COVID-19
World Health Organization (WHO) Web Page on COVID-19
Government of Ontario COVID-19 page
Update as of May 21, 2020
CRPO Updates
CRPO update regarding Return to In-Person Practice (May 14, 2020)
Guidance for Return to In-Person Practice
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment against COVID-19
Workplace PPE Supplier Directory
Guidance on PPE for health care workers
Public Health Ontario’s PPE recommendations in health care facilities
Update as of May 4, 2020
Temporary update regarding psychotherapists to the Public Service Health Care Plan
In response to the pandemic, the Government of Canada has implemented some temporary changes to the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP). These changes are designed to help PSHCP members and eligible dependents access health care benefits during the time of Covid-19.
This change means that psychotherapists are temporarily accepted as mental health providers under the Public Service Health Care Plan, effective April 24, 2020. Coverage for virtual care is also included for a plan member seeking temporary mental health services, even without a prescription.
Note: These changes are in effect only until non-critical business is authorized to resume or as indicated otherwise.
Practitioners must be registered in the province or territory where the plan member resides.
About the PSHCP
The Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) is one of the largest private health care plans in Canada, providing benefits to over 600,000 Plan members and their dependants.
The Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) is one of the largest private health care plans in Canada, providing benefits to over 600,000 Plan members and their dependants.
The PSHCP is sponsored by the Government of Canada, and its members include public servants and other employees of the federal public administration, parliamentarians, federal judges, and pensioners receiving an ongoing pension benefit based on service in one of these capacities.
Government economic support for independent workers
Update as of April 16, 2020
People who make less than $1,000 a month due to reduced work because of COVID-19, and those who have recently run out of employment insurance, are now eligible for CERB.
Initially the government had stated that an individual must have lost all income for 14 consecutive days in the first month, followed by zero income for subsequent months.
More information to come on relief for commercial rents.
Please note when applying that applicants will need to confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria. Information provided during the application process may be verified later.
The benefit is available from March 15 to October 3. The deadline for applications is December 2, 2020.
Previously published on March 26, 2020
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) offers income support for up to 16 weeks to those who lose pay because of the pandemic. The CERB would be a simpler and more accessible combination of the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit.
A government news release says the “simpler and more accessible” program will cover Canadians who lost their jobs, got sick, are under quarantine or have to stay home because of school closures.
Starting April 2020, this taxable benefit would provide $2,000 a month for up to four months for workers who lose their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
CERB is available to wage earners, contract workers and self-employed people who do not qualify for employment insurance (EI).
To access these funds, you must have an account set up in one of two places:
We recommend that you set up an account as soon as possible so that funds can be deposited straight to your account without delays in April. You should also make sure you have online banking already set up as you will need this for the registration of your account.
Sources:
- Government introduces Canada Emergency Response Benefit to help workers and businesses
- Helping Canadians with the economic impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
CRPO response regarding essential workers
CRPO is strongly advising that RPs move to virtual or online care (via phone, email or videoconferencing technology) wherever possible.
RPs are also advised to use their clinical judgement to determine in-person care is essential to clients.
Sources:
- Selecting a Communications Platform For Electronic Practice
- Click here for the full newsletter
- Ontario government orders closure of all but essential services
Addressing Mental Health and Psychosocial Needs during the COVID-19 Outbreak
The Mental Health Innovation Network put out a resource to address mental health and psychosocial problems during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Contents
- Overview of the MHPSS Response to COVID-19
- Overarching principles and guidelines for response
- Globally recommended activities
- Recommended interventions during the COVID-19 outbreak
- For older adults to cope with stress
- Supporting the needs of people with disabilities
- Messages & activities for helping children deal with stress
- Activities for adults in isolation/quarantine
- Supporting people working in the COVID-19 response
- Messages directed at the community-level
- Links to additional resources
From the IASC Reference Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings
Ministry of Health COVID-19 Guidance for the Health Sector
Click here to access guidance documents for various health sectors as well as signage for patients and visitors.
Ministry of Health COVID-19 Guidance: Independent Health Facilities
This guidesheet outlines screening procedures for Independent Health Facilities