What’s new?

To monitor data on a daily basis, see the Nova Scotia and Canadian data pages.

• The new death, announced on Sunday, was a male over 80 who died in the Northern Zone. His case is related to a previous case of a traveller coming from outside the Atlantic bubble. He was not a resident of a long-term care home.
• Post-secondary students entering the province from outside Atlantic Canada will require testing for COVID-19 along with 14 days of self-isolation. Learn more
• Potential exposures to COVID-19 was announced at two locations in Truro:
  • Murphy’s Fish and Chips, 88 Esplanade Street, Truro, on August 9 from 5 to 7 p.m.
  • 102 (Colchester) Wing Royal Canadian Air Force Association, 22 Cottage Street, Truro, on August 15 from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
• Potential exposures to COVID-19 on the following flights were announced:
  • West Jet flight WS 248 on August 8 from Toronto to Halifax. It departed Toronto at 9 am and arrived in Halifax at 12:04 pm. Passengers in rows 11 to 15 seats DEF are more likely to have had close contact.
  • Air Canada flight AC 604 on August 11 from Toronto to Halifax. It departed Toronto at 8 am and landed in Halifax at 11:02 am in Halifax. Passengers in rows 19 to 23 seats ABC and rows 29 to 33 seats ABCD are more likely to have had close contact.
• The back to school plan now mandates non-medical mask use for students in grades 4 to 12 while in school. Learn more

Virtual care survey
Nova Scotia Health (NSH) and the IWK are surveying care providers on their experience using virtual care tools made available as a result of COVID-19. The information gathered from the survey will be used in a rapid review study led by Dr. Tara Sampalli (NSH) and Dr. Jordan Sheriko (IWK).  The information collected for the review will help inform future planning as it relates to virtual care. Complete the survey

Reminder

COVID-19 and seasonal influenza
The federal government has released, Guidance for influenza vaccine delivery in the presence of COVID-19. It includes recommendations for safely holding flu vaccine clinics, allowing for social distancing, etc.

Physician resilience COVID-19 study 
Drs. Jackie Kinley and John Chiasson provided daily support sessions and webinars to help physicians cope during the COVID-19 pandemic. Physicians are invited to complete a brief survey about the experience to help guide the response for the next wave of COVID-19. Take the survey

Two weeks left to order free personal protective equipment
The Department of Health and Wellness (DHW) is providing community-based physicians and their staff with personal protective equipment (PPE) at no cost until early September. Click here to submit a request to DHW for PPE. Your organization will be notified by email of the approved supply and instructions for online ordering. For more information, email PPErequest@novascotia.ca.

Webinars
Doctors Nova Scotia-hosted webinars and physician support sessions via Zoom have ended for the time being.

DNS webinar recordings
Check out recordings of previous webinars on the DNS COVID-19 info hub.

ICYMI

Further clarification on masks from Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health:

• People with a valid medical reason for not wearing a mask are exempt. However, there are few medical reasons not to wear a mask and no evidence that wearing a mask worsens chronic lung conditions.
• There is no expectation that physicians will provide medical certificates confirming that a person has a valid medical reason
• Operators of indoor public places are not responsible to enforce the use of masks; if they choose to do so they must accommodate people with a valid medical exemption
• Private offices, including health-care offices, are encouraged to adopt a workplace policy requiring the wearing of masks by staff, customers and visitors in common areas of the office space
• Read the current COVID-19 public health order 

Navigating work exemption requests during COVID-19
Doctors Nova Scotia has created a guide to help family physicians respond to work exemption requests.

ECHO Coping with COVID program available across Canada
This free program is intended for Canadian health-care providers and residents responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal is to promote resilience, connection and wellness at a time that many people are experiencing isolation, burnout and stress. Sessions run twice per week on Wednesdays 12:30-1:30 p.m. (EST) and Fridays 2-3 p.m. (EST). Learn more

Balint support group starting in September
Drs. Nicole Herschenhous and Ali Manning will be offering an eight week, Zoom-based Balint group starting Sept. 14. Sessions will be held weekly on Monday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m. (skipping stat holidays). Balint groups are closed groups of eight to 12 physicians who use case-based discussion to provide and receive support around emotions and ethical dilemmas arising in their work. These groups help reduce burnout while improving communication skills and empathy. For more information or to register, email alexandra.manning@nshealth.ca.  

NEW Addictions Medicine Consult Service
Nova Scotia Health’s Addictions Medicine Consult Service provides rapid addictions medicine consultant advice. The service is available weekdays 8:30a.m.-4:30 p.m. by calling 1-855-970-0234. Learn more FAQ or information card.

CMA Wellness Support Line
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has launched a Wellness Support Line. The line is linked with the DNS Professional Support Program (PSP) and is available 24-7. Call the PSP at 902-468-8215 or 1-855-275-8215 (toll-free).

DNS staff, meetings and events
All DNS meetings and events are cancelled or have moved to a virtual meeting. You may reach staff by email or by calling 902-468-1866 or toll free at 1-800-563-3427.

Resources

Note: See the DNS COVID-19 hub for a complete list of COVID-19 resources.

• COVID-19 Signs, Symptoms and Severity of Disease – A Clinician Guide – June 18, 2020
• Nova Scotia Health guidelines for re-introduction of in-office primary care
• Updated: Guidance for physician employers (legal information)
• Medical students provide companionship to isolated patients - The Rural and Isolated Support Endeavor (RISE)

Information hubs to watch

• Nova Scotia Health updates and service cancellations
• IWK updates and service cancellations
• Doctor Nova Scotia updates and information
• Dalhousie CPD COVID-19 webpage
• Department of Health and Wellness
• 811 assessment – when to call
• Government of Canada
• Canadian Medical Association
• Canadian Pediatric Society COVID-19 resources for the care of children