Collaborative Mentorship Network for Chronic Pain and Addiction

The Canadian Research Initiative on Substance Misuse (CRISM), a national research consortium focused on substance use and related harms, rapidly developed six national guidance documents to address the specific needs of people who use substances, service providers, and decision makers.

“Strategies to Reduce SARS-CoV-2 Transmission in Supportive Recovery Programs and Residential Addiction Treatment Services”

Key points from the document:

• Operators of supportive recovery and residential addiction treatment facilities should have protocols in place that specifically address infection prevention and control in the context of their own facilities and programs.
• Facility operators should develop procedures to minimize interactions among staff and clients to reduce transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within and between facilities.
• Facility operators should implement screening procedures for clients, staff, and visitors (if permitted).
• The physical space and programming in facilities should be modified to accommodate physical distancing, including shifts to outdoor spaces or online platforms, where possible.
• Facility operators should implement hygiene and cleaning procedures, including hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, and facility cleaning and disinfection procedures.
• Facility operators should prepare for the possibility of an outbreak and develop an outbreak protocol that includes procedures for communication with staff, clients, and public health officials.
• Outbreak protocols should also include procedures for how to isolate suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 and manage care for individuals who develop severe illness.
• Facility operators should ensure that clients and staff from Indigenous communities are supported in maintaining cultural connection during the social isolation resulting from the pandemic.
• Facility operators should implement procedures to support the mental health and wellbeing of staff.
• This guidance document does not supersede infection prevention and control directives from regional, provincial, and national public health officials.

Stakeholders can also provide feedback on the guidance documents:  CRISM Rapid COVID-19 Guidance Documents Feedback Form