Coronavirus update - May 12, 2020

coronavirus labelled test tube

Coronavirus update - May 12, 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 a Zoom meeting – see details below under webinars.

What’s new?

  • Today, one new case of COVID-19 was announced, bringing the total in Nova Scotia to 1,020.
    • The total number of COVID-19 deaths in Nova Scotia is 48
    • Nine individuals are in hospital (four in ICU) and 864 have recovered
    • To date, Nova Scotia has had 34,204 negative test results
    • There are three licensed long-term care homes and unlicensed seniors’ facilities in Nova Scotia with active cases of COVID-19. Northwood has 157 residents and 8 staff with active cases. One other facility has one staff member with an active case and another facility has one resident with an active case
    • High-speed Internet is now available in Shelburne County and areas surrounding Canning in Kings County 
    • National guidelines for reopening are being shared with organizations and unions for feedback to develop a reopening plan for Nova Scotia
    • Reminder: the first step of Nova Scotia’s recovery plan is the easing of public health measures relating to outdoor and recreational activities
  • Nationally, there are 70,342 total and confirmed cases and 5,049 deaths from COVID-19.

Vaping, smoking and COVID-19
The World Health Organization has issued a warning of severe COVID-19 disease and poor outcomes in people who smoke or vape.

Study on the impact of COVID-19 on providers
Researchers at the University of Calgary are studying how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted health-care workers across the globe. They aim to identify learnings from the experience to better inform health-care workforce planning in the future. Take the survey

Webinars

Daily Zoom meetings: Coping with COVID-19
Join Drs. Jaqueline Kinley and John Chiasson for daily online meetings (via Zoom) to chat about coping strategies and mental health concerns. Meetings are now held daily (Monday–Friday) from noon to 1 p.m. and are open to all physicians. Click here for the Zoom meeting link Password is 975004

Special Zoom session: Wednesday, May 13 at 4–5 p.m. – Dr. Zenovia Ursuliak presents “Mind-body skills group: learn three different practices that calm your mind, relax your body and lift your spirits.” Click here for the Zoom meeting link. Password is 050891

Special Zoom session: Friday, May 15 at 4–5 p.m. – Dr. Nicole Herschenhous on mindfulness for physicians: emotion regulation. Click here for the Zoom meeting link. Password is 050891

Choosing Wisely Canada
Join the national CWC conference on May 26 from 12–1 p.m. (ET). For more information and to register

Webinar recordings
Watch the webinar recording from the May 6 ‘Public Health update and intro to MED-LTC program’ session and check out all the previous webinars on the DNS COVID-19 info hub.

Reminders

Online mental health resource for physicians
Doctors Nova Scotia and the NSHA Mental Health and Addictions program have partnered to offer a new website with resources to help physicians cope during the pandemic. Learn about upcoming support sessions, self-assessments, wellness apps and explore content on topics like mindfulness, parenting, substance use and self-care. Learn more

Gut Link – telephone consultations
The Division of Digestive Care and Endoscopy is launching Gut Link, a new service for scheduled, direct telephone consultation between primary health-care providers and GI specialists. The service aims to enhance support during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. Call 1-888-473-GUTS (4887).

We rise again
Health-care providers at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital have created a little inspiration to help ease the stress of the pandemic. Check out their rendition of We Rise Again. Heather Rankin makes an appearance.

Join a Balint support group
Drs. Nicole Herschenhous and Ali Manning are starting a six-week virtual Balint group for physicians. These groups reduce burnout while improving communication skills and empathy. Click here to learn more and register or email Dr. Ali Manning. 

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.

Reference materials, resources, posters, public education and PPE

Information hubs to watch