Coronavirus update - April 29, 2020

coronavirus labelled test tube

Coronavirus update - April 29, 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?

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

  • Today, 20 new cases of COVID-19 were announced, bringing the total in Nova Scotia to 935.
    • One death was announced – a resident of Northwood in Halifax. This brings the total number of COVID-19 deaths in Nova Scotia to 28
    • Eleven individuals are in hospital (three in ICU) and 529 have recovered
    • To date, Nova Scotia has had 27,486 negative test results
    • As of April 28, there were 10 licensed long-term care homes and unlicensed seniors’ facilities in Nova Scotia with cases of COVID-19, involving 227 residents and 97 staff
    • 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%
    • Schools and licensed daycares will stay closed until after the May long weekend
    • The Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA), government and psychologists collaborate to enhance support for people affected by the tragedy in the Portapique area. Psychologists across Nova Scotia are offering a free service called Psychological Support Session. Call 902-422-9183 (9 a.m.– 3 p.m. on weekdays) to arrange an appointment within 48 hours
  • Nationally, there are 50,373 cases (50,363 confirmed) and 2,904 deaths from COVID-19. 
    • New modelling shows cases are doubling every 16 days; previously, new cases doubled every three days
    • Revised projections predict 66,835 cases and 3,883 deaths by May 5. The projected death rate has increased due to 79% of current cases being in long-term care and seniors’ homes
    • Based on current experience, 17% of patients have required hospitalization; less than 5% have required ICU care

Eight days to enrol - income stabilization program now open
Enrolment is now open for the physician income stabilization program. Interested fee-for-service physicians must enrol by Thursday, May 7 at 11:59 p.m. Review the program terms and sign a physician declaration before the deadline. To learn more about the program, register for the webinar on Thursday, April 30 at 7:00 p.m., contact Jessica Moore or call 1-800-563-3427 ext. 4922.

Information for the care of children
The Canadian Pediatric Society has online COVID-19 resources for the care of children.

Information from Reproductive Care Program (RCP) of Nova Scotia

  • Alternate screening option for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during the pandemic:
    • Order HbA1c and random glucose instead of 50g-GCT (Trutol) for high-risk early screening or universal screening at 24–28 weeks’ gestation, indicate the patient is pregnant. For early screening, a fasting rather than random glucose is reasonable
    • Labs that have implemented this approach will automatically change a GCT (Trutol) order to HbA1c and random glucose
  • Documentation of COVID-19 infection in pregnancy and in newborns:
    • As of March 1, 2020, RCP is collecting data about COVID-19 infected pregnant women and newborns (even if recovered)
    • Please document confirmed infection date on the prenatal record, and in-hospital progress notes/H&P

Read the full memo

REVISED! Care during COVID-19: Tips for managing physician clinics during coronavirus
Doctors Nova Scotia has updated this tool kit, which has helpful advice from physicians across the province and other provincial/territorial medical associations.

Cybersecurity - are you vulnerable?
Criminals are taking advantage of the COVID-19 crisis. California-based Barracuda Networks observed a 667% spike in phishing emails from the end of February until late March. The U.K.’s Action Fraud network said coronavirus-related scams have cost Britons almost $1.7 million Canadian. Take the free Saegis COVID-19 health care cybersecurity e-learning course; it’s comprised of two modules (English or French) that each take seven minutes to complete.

Webinar

Income stabilization program webinar
Learn more about the physician income stabilization program by registering for this webinar. When: Thursday, April 30 at 7 p.m. Register today

Public health update
Join Dr. Gaynor Watson-Creed for this two-hour webinar, which will offer the latest information and protocols from public health. When: Wednesday, May 6 at 7–9 p.m. 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: Wednesday, April 29 at 4–5 p.m. Dr. Angela Cooper on preparing for crisis: a health-care professional’s guide to emotional health. Read the handout for this session. Click here for the Zoom meeting link. Password is 050891

Special Zoom session: Friday, May 1 at 4–5 p.m. – Dr. J. Sadek on how to manage stress in your relationship. 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

A public thank you
Doctors Nova Scotia launched a video thanking Nova Scotians for supporting doctors and for their diligence in following public health instructions.

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.

WCB Nova Scotia’s position on health services during COVID-19
The Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia supports virtual care for health services such as physiotherapy or chiropractic treatments. Patients injured in the workplace who need those services for their recovery and return-to-work plan, should not wait to seek treatment. For more information, click here.

New NSHA in-home blood collection services for eligible patients
Physicians or nurse practitioners can initiate in-home blood collection service for eligible patients requiring urgent/time-sensitive testing for immediate diagnosis or chronic illness management through the NSHA Continuing Care referral process. Read more

Financial measures to help navigate COVID-19
MD Financial offers information and support for physicians navigating the effects of COVID-19 on their finances.

Legal information for Canadian employees and employers
Pink Larkin in partnership with Sherrard Kuzz in Toronto have created an online resource of essential legal information.

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.

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