Almost two years since the start of the pandemic, significant psychosocial impacts are still observed in the Canadian population. The results of various surveys, as part of a study carried out by Université of Sherbrooke with the collaboration of international universities, have depicted the association between various risk/protective factors and mental health in times of pandemic. The most recent survey was conducted in October 2021 (in Canada, New Zealand and Switzerland) among a large and representative sample of adults. Special attention will be paid to the evolution in anxiety and depression and its associated risk/protective factors, as well as to a newly explored concept called “pandemic fatigue”. In addition to these results, some interesting comparisons between the attitudes, perceptions and responses towards the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change will be made. Lessons in disaster risk management learned over the past two years can indeed be utilized to enhance risk…

The risk of contracting coronavirus varies among people and places, making some British Columbians more likely to be exposed to COVID-19 than others, due to socio-economic factors, occupational hazards, personal behaviours or other factors that are amplified in places characterised by increased risk of transmission. To better understand this, we developed a vulnerability model to identify differences in COVID-19 risks across neighbourhoods, visualized in a series of maps on a public-facing dashboard that indicate where to focus policy and public health efforts. In this presentation we discuss how we worked with patient partners and some of the actions that have been informed by our maps. Dr. Valorie Crooks, Professor, Simon Fraser University Leah Rosenkrantz, EH & KT Scientist, NCCEH

CO2 monitoring is an established tool to assess occupancy and ventilation requirements for indoor spaces, typically for the purposes of increasing energy efficiency. During the pandemic, it is critical that spaces are adequately ventilated for the number of occupants and type of activities, but it is often unclear if ventilation objectives are being met. CO2 monitoring can help to address ventilation inadequacy, provided that users are able to install, monitor, interpret, and react to these devices. However, there are a number of technical and risk communication challenges regarding CO2 monitoring by non-expert occupants, including the tendency to misinterpret CO2 as a direct indicator of COVID-19 risk. This webinar will review some of the public health commentary or guidance on CO2 monitoring during the pandemic, and will identify the more challenging aspects of this practice to help facilitate decision-making and communication around CO2 sensors.

There is no doubt that mental health challenges posed by disasters will increase due to climate, demographic and social changes. This presentation details findings from Canadian-led studies on the psychosocial impacts resulting from communities who experienced large-scale disasters in Canada. Such traumatic events include the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2019 Quebec spring floods, the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires, and the 2013 Lac-Mégantic train derailment. There are links between observed psychosocial impacts and recovery during these recent disasters, with learnings that could be applied to the COVID-19 pandemic that could promote individual and community resilience following disasters. This session will be relevant to environmental and public health professionals in health prevention and health promotion roles. Presenter: Mélissa Généreux holds a doctorate in medicine, a master's degree in public health and a specialization in community medicine from the University of Montreal. After…

Fomite transmission is acknowledged as one of the potential transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2. Thus, appropriate cleaning and disinfection of surfaces is one of the non-pharmaceutical control measures recommended by public health. However, while adequate cleaning and disinfection may be important to sever this chain of transmission of COVID-19, excessive cleaning and disinfection has led to an increase in accidental exposure to harmful cleaning and disinfection by-products due to heightened concerns about SARS-CoV-2 persisting on food, food packaging, and environmental surfaces. Improving public health practitioners’ understanding of appropriate cleaning and disinfection practices and the risks of misuse and overuse of disinfectant products would help to guide public health recommendations in public and private settings.

Between June 20 and July 3, 2020 a COVID-19 outbreak associated with a personal service setting (PSS) was detected in the Kingston, Ontario and managed by the local public health unit (KFL&APH).

A mixed-methods analysis was conducted to review KFL&APH’s response to the outbreak. A social network analysis was conducted to determine the extent of the outbreak and route of acquisition of cases. Epidemic curves were created and analysed. Attack rates were calculated, and testing data and overall testing strategy were reviewed.

The outbreak consisted of 37 cases with 14 through direct PSS exposure. 23 cases were from subsequent generations, and a superspreading event led to 14 of those cases. The average age of cases was 38.6 years and 65% were female. One case required hospitalization. Over 10 000 tests were conducted using a multimodal approach, including fixed assessment centres, drive-through testing and targeted testing at outbreak sites. PCR lab results…

Presenter: Dr. Juliette O’Keeffe (KT Scientist, NCCEH)

This presentation reviewed current understanding of the key risks associated with the performing arts sector, and the precautions for minimizing risks of COVID-19 transmission in various settings. It will be of interest to environmental and public health professionals developing guidance and recommendations for safe resumption of performing arts activities as well as those working in the sector.

The NCCEH Environmental Health Seminar Series provides an opportunity for learning and knowledge exchange on a variety of environmental health topics. See upcoming webinars. 

Related Evidence Review: COVID-19 Risks and precautions for the performing arts

Presenter: Jade Yehia (Regional Built Environment Consultant, Island Health)

This presentation synthesizes available evidence on environmental health risks associated with the physical environment in encampments, and best practices to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, to serve as guidance for environmental health practice as an integral part of a multi-sectoral approach to ensure people stay safe and healthy during their time in an encampment.

The NCCEH Environmental Health Seminar Series provides an opportunity for learning and knowledge exchange on a variety of environmental health topics. See upcoming webinars. 

Related Guidance Document: Environmental public health guidance for encampments during the COVID-19 pandemic

The NCCEH Environmental Health Seminar Series provides an opportunity for learning and knowledge exchange on a variety of environmental health topics. The seminars can be attended in-person or online.

The transmission of COVID-19, which occurs primarily through close contact with an infected person, has made it necessary for large proportions of the world’s population to self-isolate in their homes. However, those dwelling in multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) face additional challenges as they must necessarily use and share common areas and facilities, and are dependent upon building managers to maintain good indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Based on a recent NCCEH publication, this webinar will look at some of the evidence on COVID-19 transmission and consider how this applies to transmission risk in MURBs. We will discuss current cleaning and sanitation guidance from the Public Health Agency of Canada and other public health agencies.

Dr. Angela…