I am on a study permit, have had research assistant experiences on health and immigration, then working about 1000 hours as a front line worker in a community based agency. I submitted my application as my NOCs where both on stream A , i am here in Canada , living and working, why not giving a try.
I am doing research on immigration and health, the NOCs in stream A state that a health policy researcher can apply. You are one of them if I am not mistaken, I do not know what kinds of covid-19 research you do though.
Good luck,