What’s new?

• Today, no new cases were announced; one new case was announced yesterday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Nova Scotia to 1,067.
  • There are two active cases and 1,002 resolved cases
  • The total number of COVID-19 deaths in Nova Scotia is 63
  • To date, Nova Scotia has had 58,728 negative test results
  • Reminder: The province has renewed the state of emergency, extending it until noon on Sunday, July 26
• Nationally, there are 108,829 total cases, 8,810 deaths and 3,341,893 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

Reminder: Requests for 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 for the next 90 days. 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.

ICYMI: Income stabilization program ended
The income stability program (ISP) ended on 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.

ICYMI: 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.

Webinars

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

Choosing Wisely Canada is offering a webinar on July 29 from noon-1p.m. (EST): Pandemic pregnancy: Safety considerations for prenatal visits during COVID-19 with Dr. Tali Bogler.  Learn more

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

Reminders

Expanded hours for central zone blood collection appointments
Effective July 16, the central zone blood collection booking hours have expanded to help respond to the high volume of calls for booked appointments. The new hours are weekdays (excluding holidays) from 7a.m.-11p.m. and on Saturdays from 7a.m.-3p.m. by calling 902-473-2074 or 1-833-942-2298. Patients who require urgent collection must communicate this when booking.

NEW Addictions Medicine Consult Service
Nova Scotia Health’s Addictions Medicine Consult Service provides rapid addictions medicine consultant advice. Consultants Drs. Leah Genge, Dave Martell and Tiffany O’Donnell offer advice on diagnosing and managing substance use disorders, and medications related to substance use. The service is available weekdays 8:30a.m.-4:30 p.m. by calling 1-855-970-0234. Learn more FAQ or information card

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

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).

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)
• Email alexandra.manning@nshealth.ca to add your name to the Balint support group interest list.
• 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