Coronavirus update - Feb. 28, 2020

coronavirus labelled test tube

Coronavirus update - Feb. 28, 2020

To help physicians keep up-to-date with the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19 disease that originated in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, Doctors Nova Scotia will issue regular member updates as the situation continues to evolve. 

 

Dear Doctor,

Quick facts:

  • Federal, provincial and territorial governments continue to work together to plan for the outbreak.
  • Nomenclature change:
    • Virus is SARS-CoV-2
    • Disease is COVID-19
  • Affected areas have expanded:
    • China (mainland)
    • Hong Kong
    • Iran
    • Italy
    • Japan
    • Singapore
    • South Korea

The list of affected areas will likely grow, so an up-to-date list is available online.

Update – Dr. Rob Strang, Chief Medical Officer (Feb. 27, 2020):
The Department of Health and Wellness has struck a COVID-19 logistics working group to provide an assessment of personal protective equipment and supplies, such as masks and gloves. The group will be developing a process to understand the needs of community-based health care providers, such as family physicians.

  • Update on COVID-19 and new screening tool click here
  • Information to manage questions about March break and school group spring travel click here
  • Information to manage employers who are asking asymptomatic employees who have travelled to an affected province to be tested before returning to work click here

Clinicians with concerns about SARS-CoV-2 in a patient who has travelled outside of the affected areas should contact their local Medical Officer of Health (MOH) to discuss testing. During business hours, the local MOH can be contacted through the appropriate regional hospital switchboard (in Central Zone this is QEII locating); after hours, phone 902-473-2222 and ask for the MOH on-call.

Cases in Canada:

  • There are 13 confirmed cases in Canada—six in Ontario and seven in British Columbia.
  • There is no need for healthy individuals to wear a mask within Canada, unless they are experiencing symptoms or caring for someone with COVID-19.
  • There are no reported cases in Nova Scotia; the risk to Nova Scotians remains low currently.
  • COVID-19 is most often being spread through close contact with a person who is showing symptoms (symptomatic cases).
    • While experts believe that spread from a person who is asymptomatic is possible, this is rare.
  • The Government of Canada continues to recommend avoiding all non-essential travel to China and all travel to Hubei province, China, including Wuhan city (level 3 travel advisory).  Other affected countries have level 2 (special precautions) or level 1 (no special precautions) travel advisories.

Give your feedback on coronavirus

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam is Canada’s response lead for the coronavirus outbreak. She is seeking feedback from physicians to inform the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Special Advisory Committee on Coronavirus. This committee is reviewing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Dr. Tam would like your input on gaps, issues and communication preferences. Email your comments to Barb Johnson.

Additional resources: