Coronavirus Update - May 8, 2020

coronavirus labelled test tube

Coronavirus Update - May 8, 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, one new case of COVID-19 was announced, bringing the total in Nova Scotia to 1,008.
    • Two deaths were announced, both residents of Northwood in Halifax, bringing the total number of COVID-19 deaths in Nova Scotia to 46
    • Five individuals are in hospital (two in ICU) and 722 have recovered
    • To date, Nova Scotia has had 32,835 negative test results
    • There are two licensed long-term care homes and unlicensed seniors’ facilities in Nova Scotia with active cases of COVID-19. Northwood has 156 residents and 38 staff with active cases. One other facility has one staff member with an active case
    • School will not resume this year. At-home studies will continue until June 5
    • The goal is to see daycares open June 8 under appropriate guidelines. A final decision will be made before that date
    • National guidelines for reopening are being shared with organizations and unions for feedback to develop a reopening plan for Nova Scotia
    • New program gives health-care workers up to $2,000 bonus. Health-care workers will receive the bonus after a four-month period, beginning March 13. It includes eligible employees at the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) and IWK Health Centre, and those working in long-term care, home care, in-home support and emergency health services
    • The first steps in Nova Scotia’s recovery plan is the easing of public health measures relating to outdoor and recreational activities
  • Nationally, there are 65,399 total and confirmed cases and 4,471 deaths from COVID-19.
    • Nationally, 1,032,088 people have been tested for COVID-19

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 about upcoming support sessions, self-assessments, wellness apps and explore content on topics like mindfulness, parenting, substance use and self-care. Learn more

Gut Link – telephone consultations
The Division of Digestive Care and Endoscopy is launching Gut Link, a new service for scheduled, direct telephone consultation between primary health-care providers and GI specialists. The service aims to enhance support during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. Call 1-888-473-GUTS (4887).

We rise again
Health-care providers at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital have created a little inspiration to help ease the stress of the pandemic. Check out their rendition of We Rise Again. Heather Rankin makes an appearance. Enjoy!

Webinars

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

TONIGHT - 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

Special Zoom session: Monday, May 11 at 4–5 p.m. – Dr. Dayna Lee-Baggley presents “Friend in need: how to support your peers.” Click here for the Zoom meeting link. Password is 050891

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

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

Join a Balint support group
Drs. Nicole Herschenhous and Ali Manning are starting a six-week virtual Balint group for physicians. These groups reduce burnout while improving communication skills and empathy. Click here to learn more and register or email Dr. Ali Manning. 

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