Dear Doctor,
Hand hygiene posters
Members of the public can always be reminded about the importance of hand hygiene. Please print and post:
Quick facts
- There are no reported cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia.
- Federal, provincial and territorial governments continue to work together to plan for the outbreak.
- Affected areas remain unchanged from last update.
- China (mainland)
- Hong Kong
- Iran
- Italy
- Japan
- Singapore
- South Korea
The list of affected areas will likely grow, so an up-to-date list is available online.
Update – Dr. Rob Strang, Chief Medical Officer (March 6, 2020)
Nova Scotia’s health care system is actively monitoring and detecting potential cases of novel coronavirus. This work includes:
- Establishing a patient screening process for use by all front-line health care workers
- Monitoring hospitals for potential cases
- Applying effective public health and infection control measures communicating directly with community organizations and universities
- Sharing accurate, up-to-date information with our partners and Nova Scotians
Resources that may be helpful to you include:
(Note: If you think an individual should be tested even when they do not screen in using the screening tool then that can be discussed with the regional Medical Officer of Health)
- Information to manage questions about March break and school group spring travel click here
- Information to manage employers who are asking asymptomatic employees who have travelled to an affected province to be tested before returning to work click here
Clinicians with concerns about SARS-CoV-2 in a patient who has travelled outside of the affected areas should contact their local Medical Officer of Health (MOH) to discuss testing. During business hours, the local MOH can be contacted through the appropriate regional hospital switchboard (in Central Zone this is QEII locating); after hours, phone 902-473-2222 and ask for the MOH on-call.
Practice/office considerations
- Make sure you have a business continuity or emergency plan in place
- Remove non-essential items like magazines, stuffed toys and other items that cannot be easily cleaned from reception areas
- Think about what you will do if several employees become sick
- Support employees who may become ill. Talk to your staff about flexible hours or alternative work options should they need to stay at home for an extended period
- Support proper infection prevention and control measures in your business. Post handwashing signs and provide alcohol-based hand rub to encourage frequent hand hygiene and ensure space/surface cleaning is completed
Cases in Canada
- There are currently 45 confirmed cases in Canada—22 in Ontario, 21 in British Columbia and two in Quebec. The virus continues to expand globally.
- There is no need for healthy individuals to wear a mask within Canada, unless they are experiencing symptoms or caring for someone with COVID-19.
- COVID-19 is most often being spread through close contact with a person who is showing symptoms (symptomatic cases). While experts believe that spread from a person who is asymptomatic is possible, this is rare.
- The Government of Canada continues to recommend avoiding all non-essential travel to China, Iran and Northern Italy (level 3 travel advisory). Other affected countries have level 2 (special precautions) or level 1 (no special precautions) travel advisories.
- The Government of Canada has set up a novel coronavirus information line at 1-833-784-4397
Give your feedback on coronavirus
Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam is Canada’s response lead for the coronavirus outbreak. She is seeking feedback from physicians to inform the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Special Advisory Committee on Coronavirus. This committee is reviewing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Dr. Tam would like your input on gaps, issues and communication preferences. Email your comments to Barb Johnson.
Additional resources