Coronavirus update - Nov. 5, 2020

coronavirus labelled test tube

Coronavirus update - Nov. 5, 2020

The COVID-19 situation in Nova Scotia is changing rapidly. Check the links at the bottom for the latest updates.

Feeling overwhelmed or need to talk to someone? 

It’s a stressful time to be practising medicine. Contact the Doctors Nova Scotia (DNS) Professional Support Program at 902-468-8215 or 1-855-275-8215 (toll-free), or via email.

What’s new?

 

New cases

Active cases

Hospitalizations (ICU)

Resolved cases

Deaths

Total cases

Total tests

Nova Scotia

1

18

0

1,036

65

1,119

 114,607

Canada

 

31,725

 

205,647

10,331

247,703

9,700,270

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

  • Four new cases were announced yesterday: two people in central zone who travelled together outside Atlantic Canada and two cases in northern zone who are household contacts of a previously reported case
  • The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) updated its guidelines on the risk of transmission from aerosols
    • SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, spreads from an infected person to others through respiratory droplets and aerosols created when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, shouts or talks. The droplets vary in size from large droplets that fall to the ground rapidly (within seconds or minutes) near an infected person to smaller droplets (sometimes called aerosols) that can linger in the air in some circumstances
  • Dr. Theresa Tam has updated her recommendation on masks. A mask or face covering can be homemade or purchased and should be made of at least three layers; two layers should be tightly woven material fabric, such as cotton or linen, and a third (middle) layer should be a filter-type fabric, such as non-woven polypropylene fabric Learn more
  • There were potential exposures to COVID-19:
    • Chrismaria Family Restaurant (Unit 104, 8934 Commercial St., New Minas, N.S.) on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 1-5 p.m. Anyone exposed to the virus may develop symptoms up to and including Nov. 7
    • Air Canada flight AC0622 from Toronto to Halifax on Friday, Oct. 30. The flight departed Toronto at 6:40 p.m. and landed in Halifax at 9:41 p.m. Passengers in rows 16 to 23, in seats D, E and F are asked to call 811 for advice. Other passengers on the flight are asked to monitor for symptoms. Anyone exposed to the virus may develop symptoms up to and including Nov. 13
  • Previous exposure reminders:
    • At Fit4Less gym (1535 Dresden Row, Halifax) on Oct. 26 from 8-10 a.m. Anyone present at the location during this time is asked to monitor for symptoms. People exposed to the virus may develop symptoms up to and including Nov. 9
    • At Glenholme Loop Petro Pass Restaurant (3376 Hwy 104, Debert, N.S.) on Oct. 25, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. People exposed to the virus may develop symptoms up to and including Nov. 8
    • On Air Canada flight 7488 from Montreal to Halifax on Oct. 25. The flight departed Montreal at 7:15 p.m. and arrived in Halifax at 9:50 p.m. Passengers in rows 21 to 27, in seats D, E and F should monitor for symptoms and call 811 for advice, if needed. People exposed may develop symptoms up to and including Nov. 8
    • On Air Canada flight 622 from Toronto to Halifax on Oct. 27. The flight left Toronto at 6:40 p.m. and arrived in Halifax at 9:40 p.m. This passenger moved throughout the plane, so it is recommended that all passengers on this flight self-isolate as required and monitor for symptoms for 14 days (until Nov. 10)

Webinars
Doctors Nova Scotia-hosted webinars have ended for the time being. Watch for more information.

DNS webinar recordings
Did you miss a webinar? Recordings are available; here are the most recent:

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

ICYMI

Free PPE extended until end of 2020
Government will supply community physicians with free personal protective equipment (PPE) for this flu season, until Dec. 31. This includes gloves for administering intranasal influenza vaccine and additional medical masks, gowns, gloves, hand sanitizer and face shields for providing first aid and/or emergency assistance. Community physicians can click here to submit a request to the Department of Health and Wellness for additional PPE supplies for administering flu vaccinations; either update a previous request or make a new one. Your organization will be notified by email of the approved supply and instructions for online ordering. For more information, email PPErequest@novascotia.ca.

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

Resources
See the DNS COVID-19 info hub for a complete list of COVID-19 resources.

Information hubs to watch