Cancer and COVID-19: Staying Safe

About This Webinar

**Please note, the question period has now closed. If you have questions about the content of a webinar, please email us at info@cancer.ca.**

Length: 22 mins

Overview: When social distancing restrictions ease, businesses and schools will begin to re-open, and healthcare professionals can begin re-scheduling postponed appointments. How can people with cancer stay safe and minimize their risk of COVID-19 during this transition?

In this webinar, you will find answers to common questions such as:
• Is it safe for people with cancer to go out as businesses, schools and public spaces re-open?
• What are the precautions if other household members must go out?
• Is it safe for people with cancer to go back to work?
• Does wearing a face mask or gloves help minimize risk?
• When will postponed cancer treatments resume?

*To download a transcript of this webinar, press play and hover over the handout icon (square with lines) located on the right-hand side of the navigation bar at the bottom of the video.

*To access a webinar on COVID-19 and cancer in French, please visit: https://bit.ly/2Vuaydw

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Resources from the Canadian Cancer Society

The Canadian Cancer Society is continuing to provide programs for people with cancer and caregivers that can be helpful if you are staying close to home or dealing with feelings of anxiety or isolation.

• Cancer Information Helpline is our national, toll-free helpline for people with cancer, caregivers, families and friends, the general public and healthcare professionals. Contact us or call us at 1-888-939-3333 (TTY 1-866-786-3934).

• Extensive expert information is available on our website about cancer and COVID-19. www.cancer.ca

• CancerConnection is our online community where people with cancer and their loved ones can share their experiences and build supportive relationships.

• Smokers' Helpline is available to help you or a loved one quit smoking.

If you need help immediately, please contact:

• Crisis Services Canada, 1-833-456-4566 | www.crisisservicescanada.ca

• Kids Help Phone, 1-800-668-6868 | https://kidshelpphone.ca

• If it is an emergency, call 9-1-1.

The information in this webinar is for educational purposes only and does not replace the advice of your healthcare provider based on your individual situation. Experts are speaking on their own behalf and CCS assumes no responsibility for the completeness of the information presented.

Presenter

Minister Dr John Haggie

Minister of Health and Community Services - Newfoundland & Labrador

Born in England, the Honourable John Haggie completed his medical studies at Victoria University in Manchester. He held several positions as a physician, surgeon, tutor, and registrar in the North West region of England and after a two-year fellowship, he received a doctorate in cancer research. In 1993 he moved to St. Anthony, N.L., where he became consulting surgeon for the Grenfell Region Health Services.

Dr. Haggie’s career continued on as an attending surgeon of general and vascular surgery at James Paton Memorial Hospital in Gander, NL when he relocated with his family 2008. Soon after he was appointed Chief of Staff at James Paton Memorial Hospital and then retired in 2015 to peruse his passion for politics.

John Haggie’s shift towards politics began many years before in St. Anthony. Haggie’s ease of communication, quick wit, and 30 years of experience as a practicing surgeon quickly proved to be invaluable. He ran for office and was elected to the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly in the 2015 provincial election. Haggie is now the longest serving NL Minister of Health and Community Services in twenty-five years after being re-elected in the 2019 provincial election.

Minister Haggie served as President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association and in 2011 was the President of the Canadian Medical Association, only the third Newfoundland physician to hold this position since Confederation.

Residing still in the wonderful District of Gander as the MHA he has made his voice heard across the nation during his daily COVID-19 briefings. “You’ll have to be able to be understood by someone who is frightened, worried, and might not have as good of an education as you,” said Haggie in his latest interview. True to his word, Dr. Haggie has been applauded throughout the pandemic for his clear communication and memorable quips.