Coronavirus update - May 6, 2020

coronavirus labelled test tube

Coronavirus update - May 6, 2020

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

One day 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, seven new cases of COVID-19 were announced, bringing the total in Nova Scotia to 998.
    • The total number of of COVID-19 deaths in Nova Scotia is 41
    • Five individuals are in hospital (two in ICU) and 661 have recovered
    • To date, Nova Scotia has had 31,541 negative test results
    • There are three licensed long-term care homes and unlicensed seniors’ facilities in Nova Scotia with active cases of COVID-19. Northwood in Halifax has 160 residents and 51 staff with active cases. Two other facilities each have one staff member with an active case
    • The first steps in Nova Scotia’s recovery plan is the easing of public health measures relating to outdoor and recreational activities  
    • 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 62,458 total and confirmed cases and 4,111 deaths from COVID-19. 
    • Nationally, 970,586 people have been tested for 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

Webinars

TONIGHT -Public health update and intro to MED-LTC program
Join Dr. Gaynor Watson-Creed for this two-hour webinar on the latest information and protocols from public health. Dr. Nebha Shetty will introduce the MED-LTC program, which has been developed to support primary care providers in long-term care settings. Learn how the team provides support in three areas: prognostication and goals of care consultations, immediate medical advice from an internist, and disposition planning (whether transfer to hospital is appropriate or beneficial). 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

Special Zoom session: Friday, May 8 at 4–5 p.m. – Dr. Nicole Herschenhous on mindfulness for physicians: incorporating self-compassion. 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
Check out all the previous webinars on the DNS COVID-19 info hub.

Reminders

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.

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. 

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

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