• Neil Arya, Vanessa J Redditt, Rachel Talavlikar, Tim Holland, Mahli Brindamour, Vanessa Wright, Ammar Saad, Carolyn Beukeboom, Annalee Coakley, Meb Rashid, and Kevin Pottie.
• Assistant Clinical Professor at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont, Fellow in the International Migration Research Centre at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ont, and Director of the Centre for Family Medicine Refugee Health Clinic in Kitchener, Ont. narya@uwaterloo.ca.
• Can Fam Physician. 2021 Aug 1; 67 (8): 575581575-581.

ObjectiveTo guide clinicians working in a range of primary care clinical settings on how to provide effective care and support for refugees and newcomers during and after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Sources Of InformationThe described approach integrates recommendations from evidence-based clinical guidelines on refugee health and COVID-19, practical lessons learned from Canadian Refugee Health Network clinicians working in a variety of primary care settings, and contributions from persons with lived experience of forced migration.Main MessageThe COVID-19 pandemic has amplified health and social inequities for refugees, asylum seekers, undocumented migrants, transient migrant workers, and other newcomers. Refugees and newcomers face front-line exposure risks, difficulties accessing COVID-19 testing, exacerbation of mental health concerns, and challenges accessing health care, social, and settlement supports. Existing guidelines for clinical care of refugees are useful, but creative case-by-case strategies must be employed to overcome additional barriers in the context of COVID-19 and new care environments, such as the need for virtual interpretation and digital literacy skills. Clinicians can address inequities and advocate for improved services in collaboration with community partners.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic is amplifying structural inequities. Refugees and newcomers require and deserve effective health care and support during this challenging time. This article outlines practical approaches and advocacy priorities for providing care in the COVID-19 context.Copyright © the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

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