Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Guidance documents

We have developed guidance for managing COVID-19. This guidance is for:

• health professionals who manage clinical care, and infection prevention and control within health care facilities
• health professionals who develop public health advice, policies and programs
• a broad range of sectors, including:
  • industry
  • youth and child care settings
  • community-based services (for example, services for homeless people)
  • death services
  • faith community leaders

The guidelines complement provincial and territorial public health efforts. They were developed jointly by:

• the Public Health Agency of Canada
• Health Canada
• federal, provincial and territorial governments
• health authorities
• public health experts

We based this guidance on the best current scientific knowledge, expert opinion and public health practices. It may change as we learn more.

Provinces and territories also have guidance for health professionals. These may include legislative, regulatory, policy and practice requirements, as well as professional guidelines. Their recommendations may differ, reflecting differences in the epidemic across the country.

If you are a health care provider looking for guidance for your profession, contact the licensing or accreditation organization in your province.

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety may also have guidance for your sector.

• Public health ethics framework: A guide for use in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada

• Adjusting public health measures in the context of COVID-19 vaccination
• Reducing COVID-19 risk in community settings: A tool for operators
• Readiness criteria and indicators for easing restrictive public health measures
• At home: Using ventilation and filtration to reduce the risk of aerosol transmission of COVID-19
• Guidance on indoor ventilation during the pandemic
• Plan a safe holiday or celebration
• Safety advice for private indoor gatherings
• Guidance for a strategic approach to lifting restrictive public health measures
• Individual and community-based measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Canada
• Guidance for providers of services for people experiencing homelessness in the context of COVID-19
• COVID-19 and people with disabilities in Canada

• Planning for the 2021-2022 school year in the context of COVID-19 vaccination

• Reducing COVID-19 risk in community settings: A tool for operators
• COVID-19: Organized summer activities for children and youth
• Evaluating COVID-19 disease transmission and public health measures in schools: Outbreak investigation guidance

• Planning guidance for administration of COVID-19 vaccine
• Planning guidance for immunization clinics for COVID-19 vaccines
• COVID-19 immunization: Federal, provincial and territorial statement of common principles
• Federal/provincial/territorial public health response plan for ongoing management of COVID-19
• COVID-19 pandemic guidance for the health care sector

• Reducing COVID-19 risk in community settings: A tool for operators
• Non-contact infrared thermometers (NCIT)
• Bank of Canada asks retailers to continue accepting cash
• Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
  • COVID-19 resources and guidance for businesses
• Caring for Heritage Collections during the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Accessing additional public health support for First Nations and Inuit communities during COVID-19
• Protecting the health and safety of Indigenous communities in close proximity to natural resource operations
• COVID-19 guidance for long-term care facilities and nursing homes in Indigenous communities
• Emergency response process during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Core Principles for Good Healthy Living Messages in First Nations, Inuit and Métis Remote and Isolated Northern Communities
• Guidance on Re-Opening Northern, Remote, Isolated, and Indigenous Communities
• Expanding Virtual Care Capacity in Canada's Northern Regions: Proposed Approach for a Rapid Deployment

• Non-contact infrared thermometers (NCIT)
• Federal safety guidance to protect drivers and limit the spread of COVID-19 in commercial vehicle operations
• COVID-19 health product industry: Information for health product manufacturers and distributors
• Guidance material for air operators managing travellers during the check-in procedure for flights departing from an aerodrome in Canada

• Interim guidance: Death care services and handling of dead bodies during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Interim guidance: Management of mass fatalities during the COVID-19 pandemic

• COVID-19: Letter to faith community leaders from Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, October 15, 2020
• Letter to faith community leaders from Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, April 3, 2020