COVID-19 Expert outreach and collaboration on COVID-19 testing and screening
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Overview
The federal government relies on the advice of the science community. We also engage regularly with scientists, researchers and other experts in their fields of study on key public health issues and priorities.
Throughout the COVID-19 response, we have collaborated with experts to ensure provinces and territories have the most up-to-date evidence to make informed testing and screening decisions. For example, since the outbreak began, the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) has provided critical scientific leadership in this area.
Science and policy expert outreach
At the outset of COVID-19, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer helped to establish the Special Advisory Committee on COVID-19. This committee is made up of provincial and territorial Chief Medical Officers of Health. Its focus is to provide advice and technical guidance to governments on the immediate public health measures needed to help keep Canadians safe.
Since January 2020, the federal government has worked closely with experts from academia, industry and non-governmental organizations on innovative testing, screening and emerging approaches for COVID-19.
Most recently, the Minister of Health established the Testing and Screening Expert Advisory Panel. The Panel will provide evidence-informed advice to the federal government on science and policy related to innovative approaches to testing and screening.
To complement this Panel's work, Health Canada has also established an Industry Advisory Roundtable on COVID-19 Testing, Tracing and Data Management. The Roundtable will provide direct ways for the federal government to hear from and collaborate with industry leaders from across Canada.