Coronavirus update - May 4, 2020

coronavirus labelled test tube

Coronavirus update - May 4, 2020

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

Three days left to enrol in the income stabilization program 
Enrolment is 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 watch the April 30 webinar or contact by email Jessica Moore or call 902-481-4922.

What’s new?

  • Today, 14 new cases of COVID-19 were announced, 12 new cases over the weekend, bringing the total in Nova Scotia to 985.
    • One death was announced today and eight deaths over the weekend – all residents of Northwood in Halifax. This brings the total number of COVID-19 deaths in Nova Scotia to 38
    • Six individuals are in hospital (two in ICU) and 638 have recovered
    • To date, Nova Scotia has had 30,441 negative test results
    • As of May 3, there were 10 licensed long-term care homes and unlicensed seniors’ facilities in Nova Scotia with cases of COVID-19, involving 239 residents and 111 staff
    • Potential exposures to COVID-19 were announced at two locations on Quinpool Road in Halifax: Canadian Tire on April 18 from 3:30–4:30 p.m. and NSLC on April 18 from 4–5 p.m.
    • The first steps in Nova Scotia’s recovery plan were announced on Friday, with the easing of public health measures relating to outdoor and recreational activities
    • If the easing of measures goes well, the next phase will include reopening some small businesses. Short-stay and day surgeries may also reopen
    • $1.5 million has been invested in COVID-19 research in Nova Scotia, 40 research projects were granted funds. Project descriptions, research leads and funding amounts are available online
    • 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 59,844 total and confirmed cases and 3,766 deaths from COVID-19. 
    • The number of individuals tested by province for COVID-19 is now being reported. Nationally, 919, 368 people have been tested
    • 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

Virtual care campaign
To boost awareness about health care delivery during the pandemic, Doctors Nova Scotia has launched a public awareness campaign designed to inform Nova Scotians that physicians are still seeing patients, both virtually and in person. The campaign is a mix of paid advertising and earned media; on average, each social media post reaches 10,000 people.

Help get the word out to patients by sharing the blogs and videos listed below on your clinic website, Facebook page or newsletter.

Stay tuned this week as CBC journalist Carolyn Ray sits in on a virtual appointment with Dr. Mike Wadden and a patient. There will also be a new graphic ad on virtual care and a new blog on helping children through COVID-19.

Webinars

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, May 6 at 4–5 p.m. – Dr. David Saunders on how to communicate about substance use. Click here for the Zoom meeting link. Password is 050891

Choosing Wisely Canada
Choosing Wisely Canada (CWC) is hosting a webinar ‘Palliative care conversations in the COVID-19 pandemic’ with Dr. Amit Arya. When: Wednesday, May 6 from 12–1 p.m. (ET). Register today

Join the national CWC conference on May 26 from 12–1 p.m. (ET). For more information and to register

Webinar recordings
Review the April 30 webinar ‘Income stabilization program webinar.’ Check out all the previous webinars on the DNS COVID-19 info hub.

Reminders

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.\

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.

Cybersecurity - are you vulnerable?
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.

Information from Reproductive Care Program (RCP) of Nova Scotia
RCP announced service changes such as an alternate screening option for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during the pandemic and documentation of COVID-19 infection in pregnancy and in newborns.

Read the full memo

Join a Balint support group
Drs. Nicole Herschenhous and Ali Manning are starting a six-week virtual Balint group for physicians. Eight to 14 physicians will use case-based discussion to provide and receive support around emotions and ethical dilemmas arising in their work. These groups reduce burnout while improving communication skills and empathy. Click here to learn more and register or email Dr. Ali Manning.

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 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