Policy brief COVID-19 and mental health: Heading off an echo pandemic

In Canada, COVID-19, or coronavirus disease, has caused thousands of deaths and continues to endanger lives. Since the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a pandemic in March 2020, preventative measures, including physical distancing, have been introduced across Canada to support infection control, and reduce the spread of COVID-19. Canadians are experiencing social and economic upheaval as a result of COVID-19 and related emergency measures. Millions have lost their jobs or are facing job loss as businesses and, in some cases, entire industries reduce, suspend or close their operations. School closures for students at all levels have disrupted the school year and have left many children and youth without a supportive environment. Alarmingly, domestic violence rates have increased; so, too, have opioid overdoses.