Coronavirus update - July 2, 2020

coronavirus labelled test tube

Coronavirus update - July 2, 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, one new case of COVID-19 was announced; one new case related to travel was announced on Canada Day; bringing the total confirmed cases in Nova Scotia to 1,064.
    • There are three active cases and 998 resolved cases
    • Two individuals are currently in hospital. The COVID-19 infection is resolved for both patients, but they remain in hospital
    • The total number of COVID-19 deaths in Nova Scotia is 63
    • To date, Nova Scotia has had 53,994 negative test results
    • Potential exposure to COVID-19 on WestJet flight WS 248 on June 26 from Toronto to Halifax was announced. It departed Toronto at 10:00 am and landed in Halifax at 1:04 pm. 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
  • On Friday the Atlantic border opens, travellers must carry identification for re-entry to the province.
  • Nationally, there are 104,204 total cases, 8,591 deaths and 2,770,153 Canadians tested for COVID-19.
    • New federal modelling indicates progress has been made but hot spots and localized outbreaks require attention
    • Canada’s effective reproduction number (Rt) has been <1 for eight weeks
    • The steepest declines in transmission have been among the oldest age groups, with relative increase in 20-to 39-year-olds since late May
    • Outbreaks point to vulnerabilities in closed and crowded settings
    • Lifting population-based measures without strengthening other controls will likely cause the epidemic to rebound in the September/October time frame
    • Fast and thorough case detection and contact tracing are key to limit spread
    • To maintain epidemic control, it’s important to minimize the number of contacts between people

Webinars

Webinars and physician support sessions via Zoom have ended for the time being.

DNS webinar recordings
If you missed the June 16 webinar “Obesity in the era of COVID-19,” you can listen to the recording of Dr. Laura Reardon’s presentation. Check out previous webinars on the DNS COVID-19 info hub.

Reminders

Reminder: 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.

Updated: Guidance for physician employers (legal information)

ICYMI: NSHA’s guidelines for re-introduction of in-office primary care

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.

Balint support group
Interested in future Balint groups? Email alexandra.manning@nshealth.ca to add your name to the interest list. 

Medical students provide companionship to isolated patients
The Rural and Isolated Support Endeavor (RISE) matches patients with medical students from across Canada who provide weekly phone calls to provide emotional support and companionship.

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