Respiratory disease

Housing and Social Inequalities in Health in Times of COVID-19: Strategies for Promoting Affordable Quality Housing

This document begins with a review of how housing can influence the health and quality of life of its occupants. It then presents the findings on the impact of housing on the health of the Québec population during the COVID-19 period. As a response to this impact, this report proposes strategies for improving housing conditions and reducing social inequalities in health, starting with specific actions that can support households whose housing conditions have become increasingly unstable…

Rapid knowledge synthesis

Inequalities in Access and Use of Digital Technologies: A Determinant of Concern for Population Health?

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…

Rapid knowledge synthesis

COVID-19: Basic Concepts Regarding Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and its Measurement in Buildings

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……

Rapid knowledge synthesis

COVID 19: Surface Cleaning and Disinfection

This document presents 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.

Rapid knowledge synthesis

COVID-19: Use of Air Conditioners and Electric Fans During Heat Waves

Air conditioners and electric fans remain appropriate cooling methods during a pandemic when used properly and when certain precautions are applied.

Rapid knowledge synthesis

COVID-19: Swimming Sites

This document presents current knowledge about the risk of COVID-19 transmission at artificial and natural swimming sites. It provides general recommendations to site users and operators.

Artificial swimming sites include facilities such as indoor and outdoor pools, spas, splash pads, misters and wading pools. Natural sites refers to beaches.

Rapid knowledge synthesis

COVID-19: Outdoor environment

This rapid synthesis reviews the current state of knowledge on the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in outdoor environments. The document discusses modes of transmission of the virus in the outdoor environment and factors that may influence its persistence or its culturability and its transmission.

Rapid knowledge synthesis

Preliminary Data on Vaccine Effectiveness and Supplementary Opinion on the Strategy for Vaccination Against COVID-19 in Quebec in a Context of Shortage

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.

Interim scientific guidance

Measures to Reduce Sedentary Behaviour and Encourage Physical Activity in Persons 65 And Older Living at Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic led Québec, like many jurisdictions around the world, to recommend public health measures to slow propagation of the disease. Measures include limiting the number of contacts between individuals, physical distancing, physical barriers, handwashing, breathing etiquette, wearing of masks or face coverings, ventilation, and the disinfection and cleaning of surfaces. These measures are considered effective in reducing COVID-19 transmission and case numbers, but have also……

Rapid knowledge synthesis

Aerosol-Generating Medical Interventions on Suspected and Confirmed Cases of COVID-19

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…

Interim recommendations