What’s new?
- Today, 43 new cases of COVID-19 were announced and 101 cases were announced over the four-day Easter weekend, bringing the total in Nova Scotia to 517.
- 13 of the new cases announced today are from Northwood, 16 residents and 10 staff have tested positive
- Nova Scotia had its third COVID-19 death. On April 13, a man in his 80s with underlying health issues died in Halifax
- Cases range in people aged from under 10 to over 90. Community spread is confirmed
- Ten individuals are in hospital (four in ICU) and 124 have recovered
- To date, Nova Scotia has had 16,755 negative test results
- Screening: if a person has two or more symptoms of fever, new or worsening cough, sore throat, runny nose or headache they should be assessed by 811
- Yesterday, a new protocol was announced for home-care employees and front line workers in residential care and continuing care facilities to wear masks to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Masks began being delivered over the weekend
- Possible exposures to COVID-19 were reported at Atlantic Superstore, 9 Braemar Dr., Dartmouth (April 2-6, 8), at Scotia Tire, 975 Cole Harbour Rd in Dartmouth (April 6) and on Halifax Transit buses (April 2-6) on routes 10, 62 and 60. And at G-Street Pizza in Halifax (April 4 and 6)
- MacKenzie Atlantic will produce more than one million face shields for the NSHA and IWK
- Provincial modelling to June 30, 2020 was released. With good compliance, the number of cases is estimated to be 1,453 (with 35 hospitalizations at peak). With poor compliance, it could be closer to 6,269 cases (with 85 hospitalizations at peak)
- Nationally, there are 25,680 cases (25,663 confirmed) and 780 deaths from COVID-19
- Over the weekend, four plane loads of equipment were received, including N-95 masks, bringing the national total of available N-95 masks to 1.1 million. Masks will be distributed to the provinces starting next week. Deliveries also included millions of pairs of gloves
- Starting next Monday, domestically produced gowns are expected to be delivered
- Yesterday, the Public Health Agency of Canada released interim guidance for infection prevention and control of COVID-19 for long-term care homes
- Last week, the federal government released national modelling that predicts nearly 32,000 cases of COVID-19 and 500–700 deaths in Canada by April 16
- With strong controls, Canada could see 934,000–1.9 million or more cases, 22,000 deaths and 23,000–46,000 ICU admissions. The picture is bleaker if public health measures are not followed
COPD support
The INSPIRED COPD outreach program provides education and support for people with COPD and their families. The team can help with dyspnea management at end of life and can assist primary care providers with virtual management by referral. Learn more
ICYMI: NSHA masking guidelines
See the April 7 PPE message to physicians and staff about masking guidelines and the frequently asked questions document (updated April 8) for detailed information. Send questions to coronavirus@nshealth.ca
Webinars
TONIGHT! End of life care considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic
This webinar will provide a review of best practices for palliative care during the pandemic, including end of life care and managing respiratory death through sedation. When: Tuesday, April 14 from 6–7:30 p.m. REGISTER HERE
Surviving COVID-19: Mental health and coping strategies
Join Drs. John Chiasson and Jackie Kinley for this two-hour CME-accredited webinar where you’ll learn tips and coping strategies for you, your team and your family in the face of a pandemic. When: April 15 from 7–9 p.m. REGISTER HERE
Understanding physician income stability in Nova Scotia
Doctors Nova Scotia and the Department of Health and Wellness announced an income stability program for fee-for-service physicians in Nova Scotia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Join Alana Patterson, Drs. Gary Ernest and Ken Wilson to learn more. When: April 16 from 7–9 p.m. REGISTER HERE
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, April 15 at 4–5 p.m. – Dr. Lara Hazelton on setting personal and professional priorities in the midst of a pandemic. Click here for the Zoom meeting link. Password is required: 050891
Webinar recordings
Watch the April 9 recording (COVID-19 and long-term care: Discussions with residents and families) and catch up on all the previous webinars on the DNS COVID-19 hub.
Reminders
CLARIFICATION: CMPA rebates
As mentioned, Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) rebates will be issued quarterly. Eligible members who have already signed a business arrangement form need take no action. Payment will be made automatically.
COVID-19 questions launched
The CMA, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the College of Family Physicians of Canada have launched covidquestions.ca where reputable sources will answer questions from the public.
Dalhousie CPD COVID-19 webpage
Dalhousie Continuing Professional Development has created a webpage for physicians with resources and webinars on COVID-19.
Diagnostic code for COVID-19 tracking
The new diagnostic code for tracking COVID-19, both suspected and confirmed cases, is 487.8.
COVID-19 screening for health-care providers
Instead of calling 811, health-care providers can call a separate hotline to be screened for the virus. Call 1-833-750-0632.
COVID-19 Healthcare Cybersecurity Update
Saegis is offering free COVID-19 Healthcare Cybersecurity Update, a bilingual e-learning course. The course is comprised of two modules (English or French) that each take about seven minutes to complete.
Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia (PANS) follow up message
PANS is reporting increased errors in EMR faxed prescriptions. Read the full message
COVID-19 Choosing Wisely Canada recommendations
COVID-19 recommendations for clinicians and the public have been developed to raise awareness about using limited health-care resources wisely.
Personal directive app
The personal directive app is simple to complete online from the Legal Info Nova Scotia website. Legal help is available by phone at 1-800-665-9779 or 902-455-3135, live chat or email.
Reduced room rates for health-care providers
The Best Western Plus Dartmouth Hotel and Suites is offering $69 per night and DoubleTree by Hilton is offering $60 per night.
NSHA Mental Health and Addictions launches online tool
Essential education on palliative care
Courtesy of Pallium Canada and the CMA, six free Learning Essential Approaches to Palliative Care (LEAP) modules are available.
Repatriating retired physicians contact Katrina Philopoulos.
Request from the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia (PANS)
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, posters, public education and PPE
- Proper handwashing poster
- Information on how to self-isolate
- Social distancing best practices
- Social distancing poster
- Vulnerable populations and COVID-19
- How to care for person with COVID-19 at home: advice for caregivers
- OMA infographic PPE
- Resources on coping with COVID-19
- Economic measures to support Canadians
- New virtual care tool available (DHW notice) (DNS virtual care options)
- Guidance for physician employers
Information hubs to watch