Coronavirus update - April 23, 2020

coronavirus labelled test tube

Coronavirus update - April 23, 2020

The COVID-19 situation in Nova Scotia is changing rapidly. Check the links at the bottom for the latest updates.

A message from Dr. John Chiasson, Professional Support Program director
As we try to wrap our heads around the weekend’s tragic events and the senseless loss of so many innocent lives, I want to remind you that help is available. Whether you were directly connected to it or not, the tragedy intensifies the stress of the pandemic and the pressure on our lives due to the measures we are all following. 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.

LifeWorks by Morneau Shepell is also available to members and their families affected by the events in Portapique and surrounding communities. The crisis support line is open 24-7. Call 1-844-751-2133. 

How traumatic events affect us 

What’s new?

The state of emergency in Nova Scotia has been extended until noon on May 3, 2020.

  • Today, 55 new cases of COVID-19 were announced, bringing the total in Nova Scotia to 827.
    • Four more deaths were announced: three at the Northwood long-term care home in Halifax and one at Harbourstone Enhanced Care in Sydney, bringing the total of COVID-19 deaths to 16
    • Ten individuals are in hospital (four in ICU) and 385 have recovered
    • To date, Nova Scotia has had 23,731 negative test results
    • As of April 22, there were 10 licensed long-term care homes and unlicensed seniors’ facilities in Nova Scotia with cases of COVID-19, involving 158 residents and 79 staff
    • Government will cover extra dispensing fees for Pharmacare clients for refills on prescriptions that would normally be filled for longer periods. The recent move to protect drug supply during the pandemic has reduced long-term prescriptions to 30 days, which has increased dispensing costs for seniors
    • Provincial modelling to June 30, 2020: with good compliance, cases are estimated to be 1,453 (with 35 hospitalizations at peak). With poor compliance, cases could be closer to 6,269 (with 85 hospitalizations at peak). Current measures have reduced cases by about 50%
  • Nationally, there are 40,824 cases (40,813 confirmed) and 2,028 deaths from COVID-19 
    • National modelling predicts that 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

Letter to the editor
Dr. Gary Ernest has issued a letter to the editor today, reminding Nova Scotians that doctors’ offices are open and urging them not to neglect their health during the pandemic. Read more 

Kids Help Phone support available
Kids Help Phone is offering help for children, adults and front-line workers struggling after the tragic shootings. For free, confidential, 24-7 support, young people can text NSSTRONG to 686868, adults can text NSSTRONG to 741741, and front-line workers can text FRONTLINE to 741741. Or call 1-800-668-6868. Those needing help will communicate with a caring person who will listen and provide support. Learn more

 Public satisfied with COVID-19 response
A new survey by Narrative Research reports that Atlantic Canadians are satisfied with the response to COVID-19 by government and the health-care system, and reports high compliance with state of emergency directives. Learn more

NSHA palliative care coverage
A zone based palliative care call coverage system is available in response to the potential need for support to manage complex issues related to COVID-19. Your colleagues are available by phone to provide advice. Learn more

Webinars

Choosing Wisely Canada webinar
Dr. David Juurlink will discuss safety considerations with chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin in the management of COVID-19. When: April 29 at noon to 1:00 p.m. (EST). Register today

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 24 at 4–5 p.m. – Dr. J. Sadek on new strategies for time management during stressful times. Click here for the Zoom meeting link. Password is 050891

Webinar recordings
Review the slide deck and watch the April 21 webinar ‘Clinical decision making in the time of COVID-19 and Choosing Wisely.’ Check out all the previous webinars on the DNS COVID-19 info hub.

Reminders

Care during COVID-19: Tips for managing physician clinics during coronavirus

Doctors Nova Scotia has created a tool kit of helpful advice from physicians across the province and other provincial/territorial medical associations.

Online book of condolences for victims
An online book of condolences honouring those who lost their lives this past weekend is now available.

Medical students advocate for emergency child-care for essential workers during COVID-19
Dalhousie Students for Healthcare Providers (DSHP) has written a letter of support for a provincial child-care strategy for essential workers. The DSHP seeks your support. Please read the letter and fill out the signature section.

REMINDER PLI and SPL activities cancelled
The DNS Physician Leadership Institute (PLI) and the Section of Physician Leader (SPL) activities scheduled for April and May have been cancelled.

CMAF pledges $20 million for COVID-19 efforts
The Canadian Medical Association Foundation (CMAF) has committed $20 million to support urgent COVID-19 related needs within the health-care system. Learn more

Pallium offers more resources
Pallium Canada has released additional free online modules. Topics include taking ownership, managing dyspnea, palliative sedation, last days and hours, delirium and palliative care for COVID-19 illness.

New CMA resources
The CMA has a range of resources available for physicians to help manage clinical care, provide psychological first aid and support their own resiliency. The association has also launched covidkindness.ca to share positive stories from the front line.

Free mental health support for all
Wellness Together Canada is available 24 hours a day and includes free telephone and video counselling sessions. Learn more at www.wellnesstogether.ca or call 1-866-585-0445.

Zoom for Healthcare privacy and security
Our partners are working together to provide a secure online environment. Enhanced security features already in Zoom for Healthcare include having a meeting ID and password created for each meeting, so only the health-care provider and designated patient can join the meeting. If you have any questions, visit https://www.cdha.nshealth.ca/telehealth-zoom or email VirtualCare@nshealth.ca.

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