We have entered an unprecedented time in our country’s history due to various threats posed by COVID-19.
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) wants to reassure members that their national association, in coordination with provincial veterinary medical associations and regulatory bodies, is in continuous contact with federal agencies, such as the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), to bring veterinarians the most current information to protect their clients, teams, and families.
During this time, we ask that you keep these three key messages in mind:
- There is no evidence that pets play a role in transmitting the COVID-19 to humans
- Social distancing and proper hygiene measures are critically important for everyone including clients, patients, and the veterinary team
- Pay attention to wellness (mental health) for you and others - the veterinary team and clients
Is There Coverage For Losses Related To Covid-19?
Many of our clients have inquired whether their policy would cover them in the event of a business interruption related to COVID-19. The short answer is that there is generally no coverage under most insurance policies for losses from the COVID-19 pandemic. Each case may be different so please reach out to your Insurance Advisor for more details about your specific circumstance.
What Support Is Available For Canadian Businesses?
The Government of Canada has announced a variety of supports for Canadian businesses that have been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more about these support initiatives available please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html.
Essential Services
Various levels of government are considering a mandatory shutdown of all “non-essential” services to limit community spread of the disease. The CVMA holds that veterinary practices and all veterinary services including where animals are housed for research purposes provide “essential” services to Canadians given that veterinary medicine is critical for public health, agri-food safety, pharmaceutical stewardship, and animal health and welfare. We have shared our view with government authorities.
Please refer to Dr. Scott Weese's, Chief of Infection Control at the Ontario Veterinary College, blog post on Veterinary medicine, essential services and social distancing for more information.
Please also read the CVMA's advisory on COVID-19 - Guidelines for Elective Services and Social Distancing.
Personal Protective Equipment
The CVMA is also aware of the current shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as surgical masks and gloves in veterinary practices. CVMA is in discussions with various government bodies regarding this issue and will inform you as information becomes available. In the meantime, please refer to advice provided by Dr. Scott Weese, Chief of Infection Control at the Ontario Veterinary College, in his Worms and Germs blog post. Please also keep in mind regulations set forth by your provincial regulatory body.
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