- COVID-19 Resources
Newest Updates - January 14, 2020
PAS Support Tool - Summary of Updates, Changes, and Supports to Pharmacy Practice - August 14 (login to your PAS to access).
CPSI - Upcoming Webinar - COVID-1 Surveillance (Reporting, learning and sharing from the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program) - Feb 4
SHA - Statement Vaccine Sequencing for HCW and Vulnerable Populations - Jan 14
Please find a chart of the order and rationale of COVID-19 vaccine administration for each key population/HCW group. Pharmacy is noted in Phase 2B along with physicians and dentists, to name a few. We have not received a briefing on the document and currently we are not aware of any specific dates related to each phase.
PAS Updates
Multi-Agency - 25 Health care groups unite in online pandemic ad campaign aimed at youth - December 10, 2020
SMA - 10 Truths About COVID-19 - Dec 4
MedEssist - COVID Vaccinations by MedEssist - Dec 4
MedEssist - COVID Vaccinations by Age - Dec 4
Member Update: COVID-19 Testing Priority - Nov 6 (login to your PAS to access)
Health Organizations Unite in Call for Additional COVID-19 Measures - November 13, 2020
Op-Ed - Health Organizations Unite in Call for Additional COVID-19 Measures - November 13, 2020
Includes PAS, SCPP, SMA, SUN, SRNA, CPSS, SCFP
Article on CBC News - What it's like to be a COVID-19 long-hauler: fatigue, persistant symptoms; organ function changes - Nov 3
Article in The LeaderPost - Pharmacists' Expanding Role in the Pandemic featuring PAS CEO, Dawn Martin - Oct 28
Message from the PAS CEO to all Members - Email - April 21
Message from the PAS CEO to all Members - Video - April 21
Joint Statement on Use of Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil®) and Azithromycin for COVID-19 - March 25
March 18, 2020 Email
March 13, 2020 Email
PAS Support Documents
Managing COVID-19 Risk Exposures and Proper PPE Usage in Community Pharmacy - Dec 11
Preparation for the 2020-21 Influenza Season in Saskatchewan - September 17, 8:45 pm (login to your PAS to access)
Summary of Updates, Changes and Supports to Pharmacy Practice - Aug 14 (login to your PAS to access)
Support Documents
COVID Cleaning Guide - NBPhA
Mental Health Supports during COVID-19 Pandemic
PAS - Working with "Opportunities" in the Workplace and Supportive Self-Care Strategies - Session # 2 with registered psychologist Judy Wright - May 7
PAS - Managing in Difficult Times - Session # 1 with registered psychologist Judy Wright - April 14
PAS - Resources from Managing in Difficult Time - Judy Wright - April 17
Mental Health Supports - 211 Saskatchewan - April 8
Canadian Psychological Association - Psychologists donating time for front line healthcare providers - April 6
Managing Your Fears and Anxiety
Canadian Mental Health Association
Provincial Resources
The provincial government has created guidance tools and a web page with provincial updates on the situation in Saskatchewan.Pharmacy Policies and Legislation Updates
Saskatchewan Medication Assessment Program Compliance Packaging Update - Oct 9, 2020
The Drug Plan and Extended Benefits Branch (DBEPP) is continuing to extend the Exception Drug Status (EDS) for compliance packaging under the Saskatchewan Medication Assessment Program. As the EDS expires, the DPEBB auto-renewal process will renew the EDS for 6 months. For example, if the EDS expired in October 2020, you may have noticed it has been extended until March 2021. EDS expiring in November 2020 will be extended until April 2021. This process of extending the EDS as it expires will continue over the next couple of months and will be reviewed before the end of the year. Further updates will be provided at that time.
As there is an increased risk of more severe outcomes for COVID-19 for individuals 65 years of age and over, the DPEBB is recommending that pharmacists delay all non-urgent professional services (e.g. medication assessments) until the risk has been reduced.
If medication assessment cannot be delayed, (i.e., a new admission to a personal care home or a group home) a medication assessment may be done virtually or over the phone.
Saskatchewan Formulary Bulletins
#187 Saskatchewan Formulary Bulletin - Interim Measures Related to Exception Drug Status (EDS) Coverage During COVID-19 Pandemic – Automatic Extension of EDS Coverage - April 9 #186 Saskatchewan Formulary Bulletin - Interim Measures Related to Exception Drug Status (EDS) During COVID-19 Pandemic – Updated Listing of DOACs - April 9
#185 Saskatchewan Formulary Bulletin - Exception Drug Status (EDS) During COVID-19 Pandemic - March 24
Pharmacy Information Bulletins
#752 Pharmacy Information Bulletin - Update to the Automatic Extension of EDS Coverage - Dec 15#736 Pharmacy Information Bulletin - Salbutamol Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) Shortage Update - June 8
#734 Pharmacy Information Bulletin - Province Lifts Restrictions on Prescription Filling - May 19
#730 Pharmacy Information Bulletin - Community Compliance Packaging Exception - April 21
#729 Pharmacy Information Bulletin - Virtual Visits Using Pexip - April 21
#728 Pharmacy Information Bulletin - Prescription Quantity Restrictions Updated list of exceptions - April 14
#726 Pharmacy Information Bulletin - Frequently Asked Questions Prescription Quantities - COVID-19 - April 2
#724 Pharmacy Information Bulletin- SMAPs During COVID-19 - March 20
#723 Pharmacy Information Bulletin - Reduced Telephone Coverage - March 20
Letter from the Deputy Minister of Health - Letter on the prescription quantities - March 18
Prescription Quantities Restrictions Effective Immediately - Prescription quantities from the DPEBB - March 18
Saskatchewan Government Resources
COVID-19 HCW Risk Classification Document - Jan 8 *Updated Version from Dec 12Covid-19 transmission risk. It is a complex document and requires time to understand. General pharmacy activities and interactions with each other are considered low risk as long as appropriate medical grade masks are worn, according to PAS’s interpretation of this document. That being said, we continue to hear interpretation differences and have not been able to clarify absolutely whether or not to wear eye protection. Even though PAS interprets general dispensary duties as low risk when medical grad masks are being worn, eye protection will further reduce the risk of transmission. Disclaimer- this is PAS’s interpretation as such we defer all assessments to public health and OH&S procedures and policies.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information - Jan 5
Phase 1 of Vaccine Delivery Plan to begin next week - Dec 17
Q & As on 10 Day Self-Isolation - Dec 17
COVID-19 Vaccine Delivery Plan - Dec 9
COVID-19 Vaccine Delivery Plan Presentation Deck - Dec 9
Re-Open Saskatchewan - June 8 Target Date for Phase 3 - May 21
Public Health Orders - May 20 Province Lifts Limits on Filling Prescriptions - May 19
Cases and Risk of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan - Provincial map showing cases in the province
Self-Assessment Tool - COVID-19 Online Assessment
Saskatchewan COVID-19 Preparedness Plan - Provincial Plan
Mass Gatherings, Risk for Elderly Population - Guidance Resource
Self-Monitoring Information Sheet - Guidance Resource
Self-Isolation Information Sheet - Guidance Resource
COVID-19 FAQ
Public Health Orders - March 26
Website - Saskatchewan Government COVID-19 site
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Exposure Scenarios - from May 25, 2020New Screening Update for HCW - from Dec 16
Daily COVID Readiness Checklist for Managers - from Dec 21
Support Documents & General Information (COVID-19) - Jan 8
New Pandemic Modelling Shows Improved Outlook for Saskatchewan - April 28
Expanding Capacity for COVID-19- March 25
Saskatchewan Health Authority Resources Website
Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals
Emergency Licenses No Longer Required - June 29
Supporting Saskatchewan Regulated Health Care Professionals during the COVID-19 Response - May 12
Virtual Care - April 22 Emergency Licensure Provisions Bylaw Amendments including Amendments to Provide Interns with the Authority to Complete AMC in an Emergency - April 20
Prescriptions Direct from PIP - April 14
Prescribing, Dispensing, Continuation of Therapy During COVID-19 - April 1
Safety Measure and Changes to Chain of Signature - March 27
Exemption 56 Status Update - March 27
Exemptions to the Opioid Agonist Therapy “OAT’ Standards During the COVID-19 Pandemic - March 27
PAR and Notification to Patient’s Provider - March 27
Updated Modified Pharmacy Operations and Reducing Hours - March 27
Privacy Concerns – Reporting Patients Not Complying with the Legal Requirement to Quarantine - March 27
Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals - Web page of resources, tools and updates on COVID-19
SCPP website
RxFiles
RxFiles Website - Useful links and resourcesmedSask
COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs - Dec 18As new information becomes available it will be added.
H2- receptor antagonist shortage - May 25
Can I breastfeed my baby if I have COVID-19? - May 1
Is nicotine protective against COVID-19? - May 1
What are some resources to manage patients with asthma or COPD - April 23
Pharmacist-Administered Injections: Considerations during COVID-19 Pandemic - April 23
What precautions need to be taken when preparing compliance packaging - April 20
medSask - Fluticasone Shortage Document
medSask - Guidelines and Recommendations for appropriate cleaning and disinfection of Community Pharmacy surfaces during COVID-19
medSask - Important resources for managing drug shortages
medSask - web resource on drug shortages
medSask - resources on COVID-19
Posters, Graphics & Videos
Blue Version - PAS/SMA/SCPP/CPSS Prescription PosterWhite Version - PAS/SMA/SCPP/CPSS Prescription Poster
Social Media Version - PAS/SMA/SCPP/CPSS Prescription Poster
Pharmacy Poster - Ministry of Health
Prevention Poster - Ministry of Health
Need to Visit a Pharmacy Poster - CPhA
Video on Maintain a Stable Drug Supply - CPhA
Facebook Graphic - CPhA
Twitter Graphic -CPhA
Social Media Post - CPhA
National Resources
Several national agencies and departments have created guidance tools and are providing updates on the situation in Canada.NCCID webinar - NACI recommendations on the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine - Dec 18
Helping people who use substances during the COVID-19 pandemic - Dec 17
Guidance for Repeated PCR Testing in Individuals Previously Positive for COVID-19 - Dec 10
COVID-19 Outbreak Update Website - Dec 10
COVID-19 Advisory Groups and Taskforces Fact Sheet - Dec 10
Updated List of Regulations and Acts with OICS 35-27 - Dec 10
Canada's COVID-19 Immunization Plan: Saving Lives and Livelihoods - Dec 10
Vaccine Development and Approval in Canada - Dec 10 -
COVID-19 Immunization: Federal, provincial, territories: statements of common principles - Dec 10
COVID-19 Vaccines and Treatment Portal - Dec 10
Vaccines and Treatments for COVID-19: Vaccine Rollout - Dec 10 -
COVID-19 Antibody (serology) Testing: Information for Patients - Dec 10
Recalls on Certain Hand Sanitizers - Dec 10
People Who are More at Risk of More Severe Disease Outcomes from COVID-19 - Dec 10 -
Vaccine Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours - Dec 10
Risk of COVID-19 Transmission in Flight - Dec 10
COVID-19 Vaccine Foundations for Health Care Providers - Dec 14 1-3 pm ET
Health Canada Approves Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine - Dec 9
Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin assisting Government of Canada's vaccine distribution planning - Nov 27
Announces New Measures to Prevent Drug Shortages - Nov 28
Regulatory Decision: Bamlanivimab - Nov 20
Choosing a Mask Type Update - Nov 16
Update to Requirements for Post Consumer Returns Containing Controlled Substances - September 232020-2021 Seasonal Influenza Webinar - September 21
New List of Health Care Practitioners and Pharmacists Named in a Notice of Restriction - August 14
Essential Services Contingency Reserve for PPE Launched - July 22
Health Canada recalls some hand sanitizers over industrial grade ethanol content - June 11
Be a Good Steward of Medication - June 1
Controlled Substances Bulletin – Update to Requirements for Post-Consumer Returns Containing Controlled Substances - April 16
Guidance on Essential Services and Functions in Canada During COVID-19 - Government of Canada website
Coronavirus Disease - Government of Canada website
Coronavirus Disease Awareness Resources - Government of Canada
Vulnerable Populations - Health Canada Guidance Document
Community-Based Measures to Mitigate - Government of Canada Guidance Document
How to Isolate at Home When You have COVID-19 - Public Health Agency of Canada
The Public Health Agency of Canada - their website
Travel Advisories - Government of Canada
CPhA Statements
Pharmacists continue to have difficulty sourcing certain medications during COVID-19 pandemic - May 27Dipryridamole/ASA Shortage - April 30
First Ministers Joint Letter - March 23, 2020 - Protecting and supporting Canada’s health-care providers during COVID-19
CPhA Statement - March 23, 2020 - Treatment of COVID-19 With Chloroquine or Hydroxychloroquine
CPhA Statement - March 23, 2020 - 30 Day Supply of Prescription Medications
Open Letter to the Government of Canada - March 18, 2020 Re: Access to Personal Protective Equipment for Pharmacy Professionals
Public Statement - March 4, 2020
Key Messages - For the Public
CPhA Resources
COVID-19 Vaccine Readiness - Dec 22Pharmacy's Pandemic Response: Reflections on Future Pandemic Planning - Dec 17 3-4 pm ET
Pharmacy Appreciation Town Hall - Dec 16 4pm ET
Hidden Burdens: The impact of COVID-19 on women in pharmacy - Nov 18
Pharmacists as Opioid Stewards: A Showcase of the Evidence - October 28
Pharmacy's Future: How COVID-19 is Changing Public Behaviour and What That Means for Pharmacy - September 28
Influenza Season 2020/2021 Information and Resources - September 10
Preparing for the Flu Season: Suggested Best Practices for Community Pharmacy - September 10
Suggested Best Practices Document - Influenza Immunizations During COVID-19 - September 10
Accepting a Verbal Order - August 19
Adapting a Prescription - August 19
Extending a Prescription - August 19
Transfering a Prescription - August 19
Updated Information on Remdesivir - July 29
Virtual Care - Will it Transform Pharmacy Practice - July 29
COVID-19 in patients taking disease-modifying therapy for multiple sclerosis - July 22
Drug Therapy Information on Remdesivir - July 15
Treatment of COVID-19 with chloroquine and hydroxoquine - July 9
COVID-19 and Pharmacy Services Map - July 9
New Mask Posters in colour and black and white to Promote the Use of Masks in Your Pharmacy - July 7
Canadian Pharmacists' Harmonization Scope 2020 to focus efforts on pharmacist opioid stewardship - June 11
CPhA encourages all Canadians to wear non-medical type mask/facial covering when visiting a pharmacy - June 9
COVID-19 and Controlled Drugs and Substances - June 9
Protecting the Front Line: COVID-19 Day to Day Questions - June 8
PPE suggested best practices for pharmacies - June 4
National Survey of Community Pharmacists and Practice Challenge During COVID-19 Summary - May 22
Pharmacists’ Scope of Practice and Patient Care During COVID- 19 - May 22
CPhA Appears before Standing Committee Briefing on Canadian Response to COVID-10 - May 21
National Pharmacists’ Survey on Preparing for Influenza Season - May 19
Role of Pharmacy in Public and Population Health Webinar - May 20
Protecting the Frontline - May 13
CPhA COVID-19 and the Global Experience webinar - April 28
Updated: Protecting the Front Line: COVID-19 Day to Day Questions - April 27
Upcoming: CPhA COVID-19 and the Global Experience webinar - April 28
The COVID Conversations - Supporting Pharmacists' Mental Health and Wellness - April 22
Staffing and Business Considerations if a Pharmacy Team Member Becomes Ill - April 17
A Day in the Life of a Community Pharmacist - April 14
New RxTx Chapter on COVID-19 - April 9
PPE Best Practice Suggestions Webinar - April 2
PPE Best Practice Suggestions - March 27
Page 1 - Protecting Yourself
Page 2 - Protecting Yourself
NIHB Resources
Medical Supplies and Equipment Coverage - July 20 (login to your PAS to access).Pharmacy Benefits Information - May 27
Update from NIHB During COVID - April 8
Changes in Other Coverage and Extension of Approvals - April 15
NIHB Manual Claims Submission & Registering for Direct Deposit - NIHB Scripts Update - April 2
FAQs-COVID
Indigenous Led Countermeasures to COVID-19
kitatipithitamak mithwayawin - September 10
CDN Health Care Network
Webinar: Influenza and COVID-19-Preparing for the 2020-2021 Flu Season - August 26
Veterans Affairs Canada
Program of Choice - Medical Supplies - July 13 National Advisory Committee on Immunizations
Guidance on the Prioritization of Initial Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine(s) - Dec 10 - NEWNarrower recommendations for who should be vaccinated first - Dec 3
Guidelines on who should get a Vaccine first - Nov 3
Guidance for Influenza Vaccine Delivery in the Presence of COVID-19 - August 14
Continuity of Immunization Programs During the COVID-19 Pandemic - August 14
Canadian Patient Safety Institute
Virtual Care Resources - Checklist During Your Visit - Oct 21
Virtual Care Resources - Checklist Preparing for a Visit - Oct 21
CADTH
What You Should Know About Drug Treatments for COVID-19 - Nov 6 Choosing Wisely Canada
Recommendations for the Public & Clinicians - April 2Green Shield Canada - Reinstatement of their Maintenance Medication Policy - effective July 1
University of Waterloo
Q & A with the experts: Pfizer and Moderna FAQs - Jan 8Q and A with experts: COVID-19 testing in pharmacies - Oct 5, 2020
Conducting Virtual Visits with Patients - April 14
UBC
Our Experience with Virtual Care - Perspectives from the Pharmacists Clinic - May 7Practice Resources - May 7
Pharmacy U
Free Webinar - Managing Stress When the World has Come to a Halt - May 11Pfizer
Has There Ever Been A Better Time To Vaccinate? How To Administer Safely With PPE - May 14Whole Health Pharmacy
Webinar - Get your COVID-19 testing questions answered - Nov 4International Resources
Mayo Clinic
Debunking COVID-19 Myths - Dec 1
FIP
Statement on Interferon-beta and vaccination for COVID-19 - September 2
Survey - Impact of COVID-19 on pharmaceutical services worldwide - September 2
COVID-19: Lessons Learned and Changes for the Future - September 15
Updated Global Guidance Support Document - July 15
WHO - For the most up to date information on the outbreak worldwide, please visit the World Health Organization website.
Infection prevention and control of epidemic and pandemic prone acute respiratory infections in health care - WHO - April 6 (technically April 2014)Guidance tools - WHO
Myth Busters about COVID - WHO