Coronavirus update - May 26, 2020

coronavirus labelled test tube

Coronavirus update - May 26, 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, two new cases of COVID-19 were announced, bringing the total in Nova Scotia to 1,052.
    • One death was announced – a woman in the Central Zone in her 80s who had underlying health conditions (she was not a resident in long-term care). This brings the total number of COVID-19 deaths in Nova Scotia to 59
    • Seven individuals are in hospital (three in ICU) and 976 have recovered
    • To date, Nova Scotia has had 38,999 negative test results
    • There is one licensed long-term care home in Nova Scotia with active cases of COVID-19. Northwood has 11 residents and four staff with active cases
    • Reminder: Nova Scotia has broadened symptom criteria for when people should be tested for COVID-19 to expand surveillance. People are asked to call 811 for assessment if they have any of the following symptoms (new symptoms are bolded):
  • Nationally, there are 85,998 total cases, 6,566 deaths and 1,500,557 Canadians tested for COVID-19.  
    • The federal government is working with local companies to produce supplies for testing kits, such as reagents and swabs. To date 12 million test kits have been ordered with more than three million received.

Webinar - Public health update and office-based practices in the new normal
Join DNS for the latest public health update and a discussion on providing health care safely during the pandemic. The webinar will offer tips and guidance for operating office-based practices in this environment. When: Thursday, May 28 from 7-9 p.m. Register here

Reopening guidance for health-care service settings
The province and public health have published guidelines for office-based physicians as they continue to provide patient care within the new normal of a COVID-19 environment. Learn more

Service reintroduction notices from the Nova Scotia Health Authority
The Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) is reintroducing and/or increasing activity levels of programs and services that were slowed or suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The timelines to resume programs and services may be different at hospitals and community sites across the province. Learn more

ICYMI - Latest bulletin from Dr. Strang
In his May 22 bulletin, Dr. Strang communicated the expanded symptom criteria and office-based infection prevention and control practices. Learn more

Balint support group starts June 8 – three spaces left
The Nova Scotia Physicians’ Balint group, led by Drs. Nicole Herschenhous and Ali Manning, will take place Monday evenings at 6-7 p.m. from June 8-July 13 (first meeting runs until 7:30 p.m.) There are three spaces left. Register here. Not able to make this session but interested in future Balint groups? Email Dr. Ali Manning to add your name to the interest list. 

Quick COVID-19 primary care survey
The Strategy for Patient Oriented Research Primary and Integrated Health Care Innovation Network in Canada in partnership with the Larry A. Green Center for Family Medicine in the U.S. ask physicians to take part in a quick COVID-19 primary care survey. The survey will run for two months and is updated each week to understand what’s happening with COVID-19 in primary care. This week’s survey explores the impact on the day-to-day care you provide. The information collected will be sent to provincial policy makers and will be available online. The survey takes three minutes to complete.

Webinars

Last week for 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 will be held daily (Monday–Friday) until the end of May 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 27 at 4–5 p.m. – Dr. Zenovia Ursuliak presents “Mind body skills group: three 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 29 at 4–5 p.m. – Dr. David Lovas discusses mindfulness for physicians. Click here for the Zoom meeting link. Password is 050891

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

Two federal subsidies are available for physicians: the 10% Temporary Wage Subsidy and the Canada Emergency Bank Account (CEBA). Speak with your accountant about how you can leverage these supports.

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.

Kids Help Phone helps all ages
Kids Help Phone offers online tools and clinically-researched resources on their website to support young people during COVID-19. It provides confidential, 24-7 phone counselling (1-800-668-6868) and texting service for youth (text CONNECT to 686868). For The Frontlines Toolkit provides posters, social media assets and much more. Text FRONTLINE to 741741 for free, confidential 24-7 mental health support in both official languages. Check out Wellness Together Canada for free mental health and substance use support services for adults.

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 more

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