Guidance for returning to school

September 10, 2020

Watch the video below to get updates on cases of COVID-19 in people with IBD and the latest recommendations for people affected by Crohn's or colitis. Experts discuss the impact of medication, disease activity, nutritional health, and other factors on the risk of COVID-19 and its complications. 

Infectious disease and IBD experts also provide guidance for children, families, and adults returning to school during the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics include masks and personal protective equipment (PPE), symptom screening, distancing, outbreaks, and other procedures that school boards are using to prepare and mitigate the risk of COVID-19.

  • Moderators: 

    Dr. Gilaad Kaplan (MD, MPH, FRCPC), Professor, Gastroenterologist and Epidemiologist, Departments of Medicine and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Chair-Elect of the Scientific and Medical Advisory Council, Crohn's and Colitis Canada

    Dr. Eric Benchimol (MD, PhD, FRCPC), Professor, Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Department of Paediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, SickKids, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and University of Toronto, NASPGHAN Canadian Councilor, Chair-Elect of the Scientific and Medical Advisory Council, Crohn's and Colitis Canada

    Featured panelists:

    Dr. Michelle Science (MD, MSc), Infectious Disease Consultant, Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics at the University of Toronto, Division of Infectious Diseases, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) 

    Dr. Anne Griffiths (MD, FRCPC), Professor, Gastroenterologist and Director of the IBD Centre, SickKids Hospital, University of Toronto, Member of the Scientific and Medical Advisory Council, Crohn's and Colitis Canada

    Dr. David Mack (MD, FRCPC), Professor and Gastroenterologist, University of Ottawa and Director, CHEO IBD Centre, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Member of the Scientific and Medical Advisory Council, Crohn's and Colitis Canada

    Dr. Remo Panaccione (MD, FRCPC), Associate Professor and Gastroenterologist, Director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic, Department of Medicine, University of Calgary

  • Canada has among the highest incidence rates of Crohn's and colitis in the world.
  • 1 in 140 Canadians lives with Crohn’s or colitis.
  • Families new to Canada are developing these diseases for the first time.
  • Incidence of Crohn’s in Canadian kids under 10 has doubled since 1995.
  • People are most commonly diagnosed before age 30.