Coronavirus update - June 11, 2020

coronavirus labelled test tube

Coronavirus update - June 11, 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?
Contact the Doctors Nova Scotia (DNS) Professional Support Program at 902-468-8215 or 1-855-275-8215 (toll-free), via email or join the weekly Zoom meeting – see details below under webinars.

What’s new?

  • Today, no new cases of COVID-19 were announced, keeping the total confirmed cases in Nova Scotia at 1,061.
    • There are four active cases and 995 resolved cases
    • Two individuals are currently in hospital, one in ICU
    • The total number of COVID-19 deaths in Nova Scotia is 62
    • To date, Nova Scotia has had 47,145 negative test results. Negative test results can now be emailed to Nova Scotians
    • There are no active cases in licensed long-term care homes in Nova Scotia, including Northwood
    • The province is investing $750,000 to help start-up businesses seize opportunities emerging from COVID-19. Business incubators Volta, Ignite and the Organization for Nova Scotia Innovation-Driven Enterprise (ONSIDE) will receive funding to help new businesses get off the ground. Funding through Innovacorp will support start-up activities in Cape Breton. The funding agreements are for one year, ending June 2021
    • Reminder: Effective June 15, visitors will be able to visit loved ones in licensed long-term care homes and homes funded under the Department of Community Services. Visits must take place outdoors in designated areas at each facility with a maximum of two visitors per resident at one time and social distancing of two metres (six feet) must be followed. Visitors will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and must wear a non-medical mask. Additional measures will be in place to keep residents, visitors and staff safe. Visits will be tracked to facilitate public health follow-up in the event of COVID-19 exposure
    • Primary care clinic opens for people without a family practice in the Middleton area
  • Nationally, there are 97,125 total cases, 7,960 deaths and 1,989,255 Canadians tested for COVID-19.
    • Modelling estimates 97,990-107,454 total COVID-19 cases and 7,700-9,400 deaths by June 15
    • Canada’s effective reproductive value (Rt) is trending close to one. Rt < 1 is required for more than three weeks to ensure public health measures are controlling the epidemic

Virtual care into the future
Doctors Nova Scotia has heard from many physicians who have shared how important virtual care has become in caring for their patients during this time. We know virtual care will remain critically important as we navigate the months ahead. We are advocating and working diligently with government to ensure it continues well into the future as physicians structure their practices and adjust to the new normal. We will share more information as soon as it’s received.

Let’s Talk Informatics – Role of the Nova Scotia Health Authority’s performance and analytics team during COVID-19
The Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) Information Management and Technology is hosting Steve Carrigan and Matt Murphy as guest speakers for its next Let’s Talk Informatics presentation on June 25.

Attendees will learn how the NSHA’s performance and analytics team influenced the organization’s response to COVID-19.

Details & Registration

Physiotherapy services – protecting the health of Nova Scotians
The Nova Scotia Physiotherapy Association advises that clinics that clinics that clinics are re-opening across Nova Scotia and that steps are in place to keep people safe. Learn more about the re-opening guidelines and find a clinic.

Reminder: Help inform Nova Scotia’s virtual care strategy
The province’s health authorities are seeking physician input to develop a virtual care strategy for the province. Click here to sign up for a 30-to 60-minute chat about virtual care. Topics will include:

  • Virtual visits
  • Secure messaging
  • Virtual patient education
  • Case conferencing
  • E-results
  • Online assessment
  • Remote clinical devices
  • Home monitoring devices
  • Patient portals
  • E-consults and e-referrals

Click here to learn more about these virtual care platforms.

Webinars

Obesity in the era of COVID-19
“An increasing body of evidence has linked obesity to more severe COVID-19 complications and mortality. Obesity is now considered an important risk factor for developing severe COVID-19 symptoms. We should be treating patients living with obesity effectively, aggressively and earlier.” – Dr. Laura Reardon

Dr. Laura Reardon will explore the link between obesity and severe COVID-19 complications. Participants will learn why obesity increases the severity of COVID-19 and discuss considerations and treatment plans for people living with obesity during the pandemic and beyond. When: June 16, 2020 from 7-9 p.m. REGISTER HERE

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

Physician support session on Wednesdays
A weekly Zoom session on coping with COVID-19 is held on Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. and is open to all physicians. Click here for the Zoom meeting link Password is 975004                                          

Choosing Wisely Canada webinar: Ensuring appropriateness and quality in cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic
Tune-in to the weekly virtual gathering of the Choosing Wisely Canada community for a webinar with Dr. Christopher Hillis, hematologist at Hamilton Health Sciences and assistant professor in the Department of Oncology at McMaster University. Dr. Hillis will discuss how applying resource stewardship principles can contribute to safe and quality cancer care during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. When: Wednesday, June 17 at 12-1p.m. (ET) Register here.

Reminders

IWK outpatient blood collection lab appointment process
The IWK outpatient collection lab has moved to a booked appointment service to manage patient flow to support physical distance and adhere to appropriate infection prevention and control guidelines. Space is limited. Physicians are asked to provide the following information to patients:

  • Patients must bring the blood requisition form from their doctor to the appointment
  • Patients/guardians must have their health card number and expiry date available when calling to book an appointment

Learn more

Joule COVID-19 innovation grants
Joule and the Canadian Medical Association have launched a second grant program providing up to $1 million for physician-led, health care innovations relating to COVID-19. Apply online June 4-21. Learn more

Feed Nova Scotia COVID-19 Food Box Program
The program provides home delivery of food to Nova Scotians who need food support and can’t get to a food bank or other food support program. Individuals can call 211 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. and 211 will help determine if this program is a good fit.

Medical students provide companionship to isolated patients
The Rural and Isolated Support Endeavor (RISE) was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in collaboration with the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada. The program matches patients with medical students from across Canada who provide weekly phone calls to provide emotional support and companionship. Physicians can refer patients by email or by completing the physician referral form.

Psychological distress among physicians: longitudinal survey
A research study seeks to understand how COVID-19 is affecting physicians. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and was approved by the NSHA’s research ethics board. Contact Dr. Jonathan Bailey for more information.

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

Information hubs to watch