Canadian Medical Association preparing for potential second wave of COVID-19

 

After three months of quarantine and physical distancing, Canadians have managed to flatten the COVID-19 curve and many Provinces have begun loosening restrictions.

However, the World Health Organization is warning of the possibility of flare-ups and even a second wave of the virus as governments begin lifting lockdown restrictions.

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has identified critical issues that would need to be addressed in the event of a second wave of the virus.

One of the most important things for Canadians to keep in mind is that the pandemic isn't over, and the threat of the virus hasn't stopped.

As businesses begin to reopen, Canadians are strongly encouraged to continue to adhere to the instructions from public health officials--including wearing masks where necessary.

The CMA is also encouraging public health officials to ensure their instructions for Canadians are clear, and consistent.

In order to prevent the rapid spread of the virus, contact tracing is necessary, as is access to widespread testing for those who believe they may have come into contact with the virus.

Additionally, businesses and governments have to make the supply of personal protective equipment a priority for front-line health care workers.

Further, those more vulnerable to the virus--such as residents of long-term care facilities--will need greater access to health, social services and resources.

Moreover, governments must provide health care systems with the resources they need as they prepare for a spike in services, such as surgeries, procedures and consults considered “nonessential,” which were postponed during the pandemic.

“Now is the time to take stock of lessons learned over the past four months so we can avoid a potential second wave. This will depend on our ability to follow public health guidance, implement key measures like contact tracing and testing, and how quickly we respond as a society,” Sandy Buchman, president of the CMA, said in a news release.

"The reality is that we need to get used to living with COVID-19 and we have an opportunity today to minimize the impact of a COVID resurgence, including potential loss of life and economic hardship," he continued.