6 in 10 physicians worried they won’t have enough PPE to fight second wave of COVID-19

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has released the results of a recent poll taking the pulse of physicians’ concerns around PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) supplies as COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the country.

Among the key findings are that over half of physicians are still having trouble getting access to the PPE they need to treat their patients. Alarmingly, looking ahead to this fall’s second wave of the pandemic, 58% of physicians are concerned they won’t have enough PPE to handle the inevitable surge in cases. 

Infographic from the Canadian Medical Association showing physician's responses to a recent poll about PPE levels.

“The supply and demand problem with PPE has serious ramifications for seniors during the second wave.” warns Bill VanGorder, CARP’s Chief Policy Officer. “With the ongoing problems in long-term care leaving residents frighteningly vulnerable to outbreaks, and the high-dose flu shot still not fully-funded for most seniors across the country, access to PPE could mean the difference between life and death for an older person this flu season.”

CARP urges federal and provincial governments to work together quickly to shore up the supply levels of PPE ahead of this winter. The time to act is now—Canada’s seniors are depending on you for protection.