COVID-19 prevention | Promotion of evidence-based, culturally and linguistically relevant COVID-19 health information and public health recommendations using existing resources (Box 3)9,15,16 Provision of QR codes to allow patients to quickly download commonly used health information onto their cell phones in their language of choice17 Engagement with local language radio stations and encouragement of messaging from faith groups and other community leaders to address fears and stigma around getting tested* Development of voluntary spaces for people to safely isolate away from other family members, if required, with higher priority for vulnerable populations† For new arrivals who must quarantine, development of new safe spaces (eg, Welcome House in Halifax, NS, where food is delivered, garbage is picked up, and laundry service is arranged. Further, initial health screening and orientation are done virtually)
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Access to COVID-19 testing | Provision of transportation to testing centres for populations that would otherwise require public transit (Nova Scotia, provincewide) Engagement of health navigators to assist contacting centres to book appointments* Establishment of mobile testing models and “pop-up” testing sites where required‡ Organization of taxi services booked by the settlement agency (Reception House in Kitchener, Ont) Advocacy for at-home testing options by public health or other in-home care providers§
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Access to COVID-19 vaccination | Development of multilingual vaccine information webinars involving trusted health professionals launching community vaccine pop-up clinics without prejudice to insurance status in collaboration with public health† Prioritization of essential workers for vaccination (eg, meat-processing workers*) Provision of walk-in vaccination appointments for those who cannot access Web-based booking systemsǁ Support for tailored education, including multilingual fact sheets about questions related to vaccines, in collaboration with community partners in shelters and congregate settings where newcomers are residing‡ Offer of vaccines in trusted community spaces, at convenient hours close to where people live and work‡ Provision of a toll-free telephone number for patients to call to have their questions and concerns about COVID-19 vaccines answered in their first language, with health navigators helping patients book appointments at mass vaccination sites, and provision of transportation assistance, if needed*
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Supporting women, children, and families | Identification of families who may have difficulties connecting to care and making efforts to reach out with telephone medical interpretation to assess family situations and offer support to manage stressorsǁ Maintenance of availability of contraceptive options for women of childbearing age, consistent with SOGC pandemic guidelines18 Provision of information and strategies with mobile apps to prevent and manage stress and mental health symptoms of pregnant and postpartum women19,20
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Addressing stress and mental health | Advocacy for equal compensation for virtual and in-person psychotherapy¶ Connecting patients to virtual support groups and online mental health and stress management resources‡ Outdoor group programs in the summer for adults, including support for child care, facilitated by mental health navigators in collaboration with community partners to promote safe social connection and support ongoing therapy*
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Virtual care | Provision of tablets for new arrivals to engage virtually*† Provision of donated cell phones and links to low-cost data plans, where needed‡
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Improving access to health services | Provision of safe spaces for in-person visits for vulnerable populations. Large families, coming together for intake physical examinations or immunizations, are brought directly into examination rooms together to wait, minimizing exposure to others† Enhanced COVID-19 clinic screening using translated written and audio versions of screening questionnaires† Engagement of clinic staff to book laboratory appointments for patients¶ or the provision of in-house phlebotomy services*†
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Identifying social needs and linking to resources | Weekly e-mails highlighting government and community resources to address social stressors (eg, income supports, online training programs) (Toronto Local Immigration Partnerships in Ontario) Collaboration with community and settlement agencies to provide wraparound social support to reduce isolation. Toll-free telephone number connecting patients with their own community cultural broker for needs assessment and appropriate referrals* Creation of living electronic platforms with resource lists in multiple languages, as prepared by community organization networks#
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Interpretation | Shift from in-person to videoconferencing services such that interpreters appear on the computer screens at the local refugee clinic†¶ (local interpretive services) Advocacy for broader use of professional telephone interpreters across medical institutions†‡
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