The COVID-19 pandemic and the preventive and control measures put in place to protect against the associated health risk have highlighted existing social inequalities in health. The population was asked to spend more time at home to minimize the risk of coming into contact with the virus, which prompted the scientific community to examine the impact of housing conditions during the health crisis. Thus, it was observed that:

• Housing, including its surrounding environment, is an important determinant of health, wellbeing and quality of life;
• Living in unhealthy, unsafe or overcrowded housing can have negative effects on physical and mental health, especially during periods of confinement;
• Safe and healthy housing can act as a protective factor against the transmission of COVID-19;
• Disadvantaged populations that are less well housed are less well protected from COVID-19 during periods of confinement;
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, s…

Digital technologies have proven essential during the COVID-19 pandemic for jobs and education and to provide access to a range of online activities and services. While the screen time of many Quebecers has increased in this context, inequalities in access and use have been reported. Based on a quick synthesis of the knowledge, the objectives of this publication are to document the digital inequalities faced by populations in economically vulnerable situations, people living in regions that are underserved or poorly served by telecommunications services, senior populations, school-age populations, and populations with low literacy levels. Measures are proposed to mitigate these inequalities with a view to ensuring equitable access to a range of services, information, and services and activities related to a number of determinants of health.

Key messages

The literature consulted reveals the following findings:

• Income is the factor with the highest imp…

This document, written in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, is intended for public building managers, building owners, and all organizations and individuals wishing to learn more about the topics covered in this overview of the scientific and grey literature. This document discusses the current knowledge on carbon dioxide (CO₂), its health effects, sources, and relation to building ventilation, as well as the different approaches used to measure this parameter and ways of interpreting the results. The methodology applied to produce this brief overview is set out in Appendix 1 of the full version (in French) of this document.

The objective of this document is to provide key information that may guide concerned organizations in selecting an appropriate measurement protocol and consistent approach for interpreting the results. These elements must meet clear objectives and be interpreted with caution, whether this involves selecting the type of device to use; the…

The purpose of this document is to present the current knowledge on cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in indoor and outdoor environments, specifically in residential settings and public spaces and excluding healthcare facilities and other healthcare settings, as well as on health issues related to cleaners and disinfectants and the suggested “quarantining” of objects. The information summarized in this document is based on a non-comprehensive review of the grey and scientific literature. The sections in yellow are significant updates made on the indicated date, based on the grey literature available as at April 26, 2021. Complete information on the methodology used to create this document is presented in Appendix 1.

Persistence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on surfaces and fomite transmission

Detection and persistence of the virus on surfaces a…

• The usual COVID-19 prevention and control measures should be followed at all times in public spaces, regardless of whether the use of air conditioners or electric fans is considered.
• Air conditioners and electric fans remain appropriate cooling methods during a pandemic when used properly and when certain precautions are applied. Additional precautions should nonetheless be taken in healthcare facilities (see Utilisation des climatiseurs mobiles et des ventilateurs sur pied en milieux de soins dans un contexte de COVID-19 [in French only]).
• The recirculation of indoor air by air conditioners can promote the accumulation of infectious particles in indoor environments when there is no intentional introduction of fresh air. To ensure some dilution and extraction of suspended particles, proper ventilation of the premises must be maintained.
• The airflow created by…

Summary

What are the risks of COVID-19 transmission at swimming sites and what are the recommended preventive measures?

At this time, there is no evidence of a risk of COVID-19 being transmitted through swimming water in either artificial or natural settings. As at other public sites, the primary risk of COVID-19 transmission in swimming facilities is tied to close contact with an infected person, either in or out of the water.

• Water in swimming pools and other artificial pools:

Higher concentrations of free chlorine and a lower pH level are conditions that contribute to the inactivation of the virus. It is highly likely that SARS-CoV-2 can be inactivated in less than a few minutes in the water of pools treated according to the standards prescribed by the Regulation respecting water quality in swimming pools and other artificial pools.

• Water from splash pads and misters:…

Question and answer

The Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) recently asked the CIQ to issue an opinion on the target interval before administration of the second dose, and important considerations to be taken into account for decision-making. The purpose of this opinion is to answer this question through an analysis of the most recent data on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness from Quebec and abroad.

Summary

The data available on the efficacy of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 in Phase 3 studies (clinical studies) and their effectiveness in studies monitoring the rollout (public health programs) remain limited at present time. It is, however, possible to identify certain preliminary trends:

• The VE of a single dose of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 appears high in the short term. It is likely that field effectiveness would be lower than the efficacy demonstrated in Phase 3 studies (92 %), one reason being that clinical trial participants are younger…

To prevent deterioration in physical and mental health and cognitive function that could prejudice the autonomy and independence of persons 65 and older, it is important for them to adopt a physically active lifestyle.

To mitigate the impact of public health measures on physical activity, additional strategies are proposed for the public health network, its partners, and municipalities.

• For the public health network and its partners:

• Raise awareness of the importance of being active at home and promote regular physical activity to foster wellness and quality of life and help maintain independence (1–7) and good mental health (8) (e.g., targeted campaigns promoting physical activity, promotion of physical activities all year long).
• Encourage the reduction of extended sedentary behaviours and of their total duration (e.g., active breaks, walking, housekeeping activities).
• Support the regular…

These recommendations apply to aerosol-generating medical procedures (AGMPs) carried out on suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases. In contexts of sustained community transmission, a risk assessment must be carried out to determine whether these recommendations shall also apply during AGMPs on individuals who are asymptomatic or have unknown COVID-19 status.

(See Section 4: AGMP management for patients determined to be at no risk of having COVID-19 [ “cold patients”])

A table summarizating the recommendations is available in the appendix.

In the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, a number of interventions and procedures are now considered AGMPs by medical societies while they previously were not. Many of these procedures are not backed by conclusive data that classify them as such, but are often associated with coughing produced during the procedure and by implication, the presumed production of small aerosols.

The Analysis section allows for a good u…