Coronavirus update - July 9, 2020

coronavirus labelled test tube

Coronavirus update - July 9, 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.

Doctors Nova Scotia will provide twice-weekly updates on Tuesdays and Thursdays unless significant news or issues warrant additional communication.

What’s new?

  • Today, no new cases of COVID-19 were announced; one new case was announced on July 8, bringing the total confirmed cases in Nova Scotia to 1,066.
    • There are four active cases (all travel related). There are 999 resolved cases
    • One individual is currently in hospital. Their COVID-19 infection is resolved
    • The total number of COVID-19 deaths in Nova Scotia is 63
    • To date, Nova Scotia has had 56,227 negative test results
    • Correction: Travellers entering Nova Scotia from outside the Atlantic Canadian bubble must fill out a tracking and self-declaration form . They must provide the address where they will be staying and self-isolating for 14 days, and provide a phone number where they can be reached 24-7. Provincial staff will contact these visitors every day to ensure they are observing the 14-day self-isolation requirement
    • Dr. Strang is withdrawing an exception made in June for several executives with Irving Shipbuilding for travel to the U.S. There will be no further company travel to or from the U.S. The individuals have been ordered to self-isolate for 14 days and Dr. Strang has asked for assurances that COVID-19 testing has been completed
    • There was a potential exposure to COVID-19 on Air Canada flight AC 626 on June 26 from Toronto to Halifax. It departed Toronto at 8:15 p.m. and landed in Halifax at 11:17 p.m. Passengers in rows 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33 in seats A-C are asked to call 811 for advice. Previously there was a potential exposure to COVID-19 on WestJet flight WS 248 on June 26 from Toronto to Halifax. It departed Toronto at 10 a.m. and landed in Halifax at 1:04 p.m. Passengers in rows 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 seats A-C are more likely to have had close contact and they are asked to call 811 for advice
  • Nationally, there are 106,434 total cases, 8,737 deaths and 3,055,341 Canadians tested for COVID-19.
    • On July 8, new federal modelling indicates progress has been made but hot spots and localized outbreaks require attention
    • Canada’s effective reproduction number (Rt) has recently risen >1 due to localized outbreaks

Navigating work exemption requests during COVID-19
Doctors Nova Scotia (DNS) has created a new guide to help family physicians respond to work exemption requests. During the COVID-19 pandemic, family physicians may experience higher volumes of patients requesting documentation and/or health assessments required by their employers exempting them from work.

Course: A Practical Approach to Teaching During COVID
This course is part of a series designed to support Dalhousie medical faculty in their roles as teachers. By the end of the course, participants will be able to: identify strategies to improve online learning experiences including lecturing, grand rounds, and small group learning sessions; and to effectively provide clinical teaching and supervision in altered clinical circumstances (including virtual care). When: July 20–Aug. 31, 2020 | Webinar dates July 23, 30 and Aug. 6 and 13 (8-9 p.m.) Learn more

Webinars

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.

Reminders

Four days left: Income stabilization program ends July 13
The income stability program (ISP) ends July 13. Shadow bill for services provided through to end of day July 13. Bill services provided on or after July 14 fee-for-service (FFS). The July 29 payment will include a prorated ISP payment and FFS billings from July 14–23. Questions? Email Jessica Moore.

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 to offer all physicians, learners and their families with enhanced support, such as crisis counselling and risk assessment. Call the PSP at 902-468-8215 or 1-855-275-8215 (toll-free).

Requests for personal protective equipment
Community-based physicians and their staff can receive personal protective equipment (PPE) at no cost for the next 90 days. Click here to submit a request 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.

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.

Information hubs to watch

 

 

 [BJ8]https://doctorsns.com/news-events/COVID-19-updates

 [BJ9]Link to document in June 23 folder in 2020 MM folder