As COVID-19 could begin making its way across Canada once again, doctors are concerned with the health of those who have had the virus and have recovered as well as those who have weak immune systems who haven’t had the virus. One of the most concerning factors regarding a second wave of COVID-19 in Canada is the lack of personal protective equipment. Hospitals and medical offices have already seen a limited supply of necessary items, and if more people contract the virus than during the first half of the year, then there could be a shortage that results in more restrictions on where people can go and how patients are treated.
The Front Lines
Doctors are also concerned about getting access to enough flu vaccines since the second wave of COVID-19 could arrive during the peak of flu season. Even if there is enough equipment, some doctors have questioned where the equipment should be used so that patients who need protection the most have it available. Employees who are on the front lines are concerned as well because they know that they need protective equipment in order to provide essential services. If workers are unable to obtain the equipment they need, such as gloves and masks, then they might not be able to work in a safe setting. This could mean that employers would have to decrease the number of employees working or decrease the number of hours the business would be open.
Functional Healthcare
Although there could be a decrease in supplies, the overall function of the healthcare system in Canada seems to be strong. If there is a second wave of the virus, doctors could see more patients in hospitals and longer wait times in offices, but nurses and other workers have seen how to approach the virus in a professional and timely manner. This information means that there likely won’t be a concern for those who would need to go to the hospital for reasons other than COVID-19. Nursing homes and schools are of a concern for doctors as residents in nursing facilities tend to be among the weakest and most vulnerable where viruses are concerned. Students in schools are also vulnerable to some viruses, especially if they don’t have a healthy immune system. If there is a second wave that is harsher than the first in Canada, then schools might have to close and resort to virtual learning until the wave is controlled.
