- Today, no new cases were announced; this is the sixth straight day with no new cases, keeping the total number of confirmed cases in Nova Scotia at 1,067.
- There is one active case and 1,003 resolved cases
- The total number of COVID-19 deaths in Nova Scotia is 63
- To date, Nova Scotia has had 60,072 negative test results
- New phone numbers were announced today to book blood collection appointments at three Eastern Zone hospitals
- Cape Breton Regional Hospital: 902-563-8545, Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–3 p.m. (excluding holidays)
- Glace Bay Hospital: 902-842-2830, Monday–Friday, 1–3 p.m. (excluding holidays)
- St. Martha’s Regional Hospital: 902-867-8821, Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–3 p.m. (excluding holidays)
- Reminder: Some visitor restrictions in long-term care homes are being eased and non-medical masks will become mandatory on public transportation
- Effective today, patients and visitors will be required to wear non-medical masks when entering hospitals and health-care facilities
- Staff and physicians working in both clinical and non-clinical areas are required to wear a non-medical mask when they enter the building until they arrive at their office or work station and in public areas such as elevators and lobbies. Staff members who do not work in patient areas and are not patient facing are not required to wear a mask once they have arrived in their work space if they are able to maintain physical distance from others. Learn more
- The province’s back-to-school plan will be announced on Wednesday, July 22 at noon
- Nationally, there are 111,124 total cases, 8,858 deaths and 3,573,630 Canadians tested for COVID-19.
Microbiology lab testing resumes
The Microbiology Laboratory at the QEII Health Sciences Centre has resumed processing test requests for herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella zoster (VZV) and norovirus that were suspended during the first wave of COVID-19. Due to an expected second wave of COVID-19, the distribution of both viral and Hologic multi-test swabs (used for STI testing) will continue to be restricted. Learn more
Primary and Integrated Health Care Innovations Network, summer learning series
Dr. Rebecca Etz and panelists will discuss the key findings from the Quick COVID-19 Primary Care Surveys. They will explain how the results are being used to inform policy that could positively influence the lives of primary care clinicians. The clinician survey is now being done in the U.S., Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Register here
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
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.
Income stabilization program ended
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.
Navigating work exemption requests during COVID-19
Doctors Nova Scotia (DNS) has created a guide to help family physicians respond to work exemption requests.
Expanded hours for central zone blood collection appointments
The central zone blood collection booking hours have expanded to 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. 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)
- 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