Coronavirus update - April 16, 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, 30 new cases of COVID-19 were announced, bringing the total in Nova Scotia to 579.
- Nova Scotia has had three COVID-19 deaths
- Eleven individuals are in hospital (four in ICU) and 176 have recovered
- To date, Nova Scotia has had 18,453 negative test results
- As of April 15, there were seven licensed long-term care homes in Nova Scotia with cases of COVID-19, involving 42 residents and 23 staff
- Possible exposures to COVID-19 were reported at Atlantic Superstore, 9 Braemar Dr., Dartmouth (April 2-6, 8-11), at Scotia Tire, 975 Cole Harbour Rd in Dartmouth (April 6) and on Halifax Transit buses (April 2-6, 11) on routes 10, 62 and 60. And at G-Street Pizza in Halifax (April 4 and 6)
- Provincial modelling to June 30, 2020 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). Current measures have reduced the number of cases by about 50%
- Interim primary care access was announced for people without a family practice in Cumberland County
Nationally, there are 28,899 cases (28,884 confirmed) and 1,048 deaths from COVID-19
- Last week, the federal government released national modelling that predicts nearly 32,000 cases of COVID-19 by April 16 (today). Today, Canada surpassed the projected deaths of 500-700
- 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

Care during COVID-19: Tips for managing physician clinics during coronavirus
Family physicians across the province are changing their office practices to manage the needs of their patients, colleagues and staff. Doctors Nova Scotia has combined helpful advice from physicians across the province and other provincial/territorial medical associations. Download the tool kit

Prenatal/perinatal screening for CT/GC
Nova Scotia is changing to urine testing for prenatal/perinatal chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) to free up aptima swabs for COVID-19 testing. The sensitivity of the two testing methods is equivalent, so case detection should not change.

Collect sample (at least 20 millilitres) in a sterile urine container
Complete the standard outpatient lab requisition.

Please return any aptima swabs in your offices/clinics to the closest hospital laboratory. Questions? Please contact the microbiologist on call.

NSHA COVID-19 updates
Not receiving daily updates from Dr. Nicole Boutilier, vice-president of medicine, and/or the Family Practice update? Fill out this form to be added to the distribution list.

NSHA physician leadership supports
Contact Lorie Campbell, executive coach for individual executive coaching, or Shawn Jolemore about group coaching opportunities for all physicians.

Webinars

TONIGHT! 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: Friday, April 17 at 4–5 p.m. – Dr. David Lovas on mindfulness for physicians. Click here for the Zoom meeting link. Password is 050891

Webinar recordings
Watch the April 15 recording (Surviving COVID-19: Mental health and coping strategies) and check out all the previous webinars on the DNS COVID-19 hub.

Reminders

Thank you from Halifax Grammar School

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

CLARIFICATION: CMPA rebates
Eligible members who have already signed a business arrangement form will automatically receive their rebate.

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.

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

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, the DoubleTree by Hilton is offering $60 per night and the Delta Dartmouth is offering $80-$99 per night.

NSHA Mental Health and Addictions 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.

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

Information hubs to watch