COVID-19 has changed the way HIV and hepatitis C service providers deliver their programs and services. This includes the need to incorporate COVID-19 messages and practices into services while continuing to provide HIV and hepatitis C prevention and care.
This article presents resources that people working in HIV and hepatitis C services can use to share information on COVID-19 with their clients. Some of these resources were created outside of Canada and may have recommendations that differ from Canadian recommendations. For general guidance on COVID-19 in Canada, see the Government of Canada website and the websites of provincial/territorial governments. For more resources on COVID-19 and HIV and hepatitis C, including how to address COVID-19 in your programming, see CATIE’s COVID-19 resources list.
Sharing basic information about COVID-19, HIV and hepatitis C
These resources provide an overview of COVID-19 transmission and risk within the context of HIV and hepatitis C.
What to Know About HIV and COVID-19
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
A Q and A on COVID-19 for people with HIV from the United States.
Coronavirus COVID-19
Terrence Higgins Trust
A blog post from the United Kingdom that includes information on COVID-19 and HIV.
COVID-19: HIV prevention, treatment, care and support for people who use drugs: Active tips to share with clients
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
An international infographic on the prevention of COVID-19 and HIV for people who use drugs.
COVID-19: Information for people living with viral hepatitis
World Hepatitis Alliance
An international overview of COVID-19 and its impact on people with viral hepatitis and communities at risk from viral hepatitis.
COVID-19 and hep C FAQ
Hepatitis NSW
Information from Australia on how COVID-19 might affect people with hepatitis C. This resource includes information on accessing care in Australia that may not apply in Canada.
Sharing information on sexual health and COVID-19
These resources review safer sex considerations within the context of COVID-19.
Sexual health and COVID-19
Trojan | SIECCAN
An overview of strategies for safer sex during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Safer Sex and COVID-19
NYC Health
Recommendations on safer sex and COVID-19 from the New York City health department.
COVID-19 tips & tricks: Stopping and starting PrEP
PrEPster
Suggestions from the United Kingdom for taking PrEP amid recommendations for physical distancing.
Sharing information on harm reduction and COVID-19
These resources review safer drug use considerations within the context of COVID-19.
COVID-19: Harm reduction and overdose response
BC Centre for Disease Control
A summary of safer drug use and overdose response practices. This resource also includes information on accessing care and COVID-19 guidelines in British Columbia that may not apply elsewhere in Canada.
Safer drug use during the COVID-19 outbreak
Higher Ground Harm Reduction | Reynolds Health Strategies | Harm Reduction Coalition | Vital Strategies
An overview from the United States of COVID-19 transmission and prevention and safer drug use.
COVID-19 harm reduction tips for people who use drugs
Manitoba Harm Reduction Network
An infographic for people who use drugs with key points on safer drug use and preventing COVID-19.
Sharing information with sex workers
These resources provide information on COVID-19 and sex work.
Sex work & COVID-19: Guidelines for sex workers, clients, third parties, and allies
Butterfly Asian and Migrant Sex Workers Support Network | Maggie’s Toronto Sex Workers Action Project
Information on COVID-19, including prevention strategies, for sex workers, their clients and allies.
COVID-19: Guidance for sex workers
BC Centre for Disease Control | BC Ministry of Health
Guidance on safer sex work during the COVID-19 pandemic, with additional recommended resources for sex workers in British Columbia.
Sharing information with gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men
These resources provide information on COVID-19 for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM).
COVID-19
Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance (GMSH)
Information on COVID-19 and HIV for GBMSM, including safer sex, safer drug use and taking care of yourself and others while practising physical distancing.
Having sex & staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic
Health Initiative for Men (HIM)
Information on safer sex for GBMSM during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sharing information with Indigenous people
These resources address coping with COVID-19 in Indigenous communities.
Staying connected during the pandemic
First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)
Information for Indigenous communities drawing on Indigenous culture and practices to stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 and ceremonial/spiritual practices
Manitoba Harm Reduction Network
A resource on COVID-19 prevention during ceremonial and spiritual practices in Indigenous communities.
Sharing information with people in prison
COVID-19: Prevention and control among people living in prison
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
An international infographic reviewing COVID-19 and prevention strategies for people in prisons.
About the author(s)
Erica Lee is Manager, Website Content and Evaluation at CATIE. Since earning her Master of Information Studies, Erica has worked in the health library field, supporting the information needs of frontline service providers and service users. Before joining CATIE, Erica worked as the Librarian at the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT).