Coronavirus update - April 15, 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, 32 new cases of COVID-19 were announced, bringing the total in Nova Scotia to 549.
- Nova Scotia has had three COVID-19 deaths
- Cases range in people aged from under 10 to over 90. Community spread is confirmed
- Nine individuals are in hospital (four in ICU) and 137 have recovered
- To date, Nova Scotia has had 17,419 negative test results
- This week, a protocol is in effect where home-care employees and front line workers in residential care and continuing care facilities will wear masks to reduce the spread of COVID-19
- Possible exposures to COVID-19 were reported at Atlantic Superstore, 9 Braemar Dr., Dartmouth (April 2-6, 8), at Scotia Tire, 975 Cole Harbour Rd in Dartmouth (April 6) and on Halifax Transit buses (April 2-6) on routes 10, 62 and 60. And at G-Street Pizza in Halifax (April 4 and 6)
- MacKenzie Atlantic will produce more than one million face shields for the NSHA and IWK
- Provincial modelling to June 30, 2020 was released. With good compliance, the number of cases is estimated to be 1,453 (with 35 hospitalizations at peak). With poor compliance, it could be closer to 6,269 cases (with 85 hospitalizations at peak)
Nationally, there are 27,063 cases (27,046 confirmed) and 903 deaths from COVID-19
- The federal government has 1.1 million N-95 masks and millions of pairs of gloves that will be distributed to the provinces next week
- Starting next Monday, domestically produced gowns are expected to be delivered
- Last week, the federal government released national modelling that predicts nearly 32,000 cases of COVID-19 by April 16 (tomorrow)
- With strong controls, Canada could see 934,000–1.9 million or more cases, 22,000 deaths and 23,000–46,000 ICU admissions. The picture is bleaker if public health measures are not followed

Care during COVID-19: Tips for managing physician clinics during coronavirus
Family physicians across the province are changing their office practices to manage the needs of their patients, colleagues and staff. Doctors Nova Scotia has combined helpful advice from physicians across the province and other provincial/territorial medical associations. Download the tool kit

Prenatal/perinatal screening for CT/GC
Nova Scotia is changing to urine testing for prenatal/perinatal chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) to free up aptima swabs for COVID-19 testing. The sensitivity of the two testing methods is equivalent, so case detection should not change.

Collect sample (at least 20 millilitres) in a sterile urine container
Complete the standard outpatient lab requisition.

Please return any aptima swabs in your offices/clinics to the closest hospital laboratory. Questions? Please contact the microbiologist on call.

Thank you from Halifax Grammar School
Sam Hajek from Prep 3 wrote to people who work at the hospital and sent his sweet message to Doctors Nova Scotia for all members to read. Enjoy!

Delta Dartmouth reduced rate
The Delta Dartmouth is offering reduced rates from $80-$99 depending on requirements of medical personnel.

COPD support
The INSPIRED COPD outreach program provides education and support for people with COPD and their families. The team can help with dyspnea management at end of life and can assist primary care providers with virtual management by referral. Learn more

Webinars

TONIGHT! Surviving COVID-19: Mental health and coping strategies
Join Drs. John Chiasson and Jackie Kinley for this two-hour CME-accredited webinar where you’ll learn tips and coping strategies for you, your team and your family in the face of a pandemic. When: April 15 from 7–9 p.m. REGISTER HERE.

Understanding physician income stability in Nova Scotia
Doctors Nova Scotia and the Department of Health and Wellness announced an income stability program for fee-for-service physicians in Nova Scotia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Join Alana Patterson, Drs. Gary Ernest and Ken Wilson to learn more. When: April 16 from 7–9 p.m. REGISTER HERE.

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: Friday, April 17 at 4–5 p.m. – Dr. David Lovas on mindfulness for physicians. Click here for the Zoom meeting link. Password is 050891

Webinar recordings
Watch the April 14 recording (End of life care considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic) and catch up on all the previous webinars on the DNS COVID-19 hub.

Reminders

CLARIFICATION: CMPA rebates
Eligible members who have already signed a business arrangement form need take no action to receive the quarterly rebate. Payment will be made automatically.

COVID-19 questions launched
The CMA, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the College of Family Physicians of Canada have launched covidquestions.ca where reputable sources will answer questions from the public.

Dalhousie CPD COVID-19 webpage
Dalhousie Continuing Professional Development has created a webpage for physicians with resources and webinars on COVID-19.

Diagnostic code for COVID-19 tracking
The new diagnostic code for tracking COVID-19, both suspected and confirmed cases, is 487.8.

COVID-19 screening for health-care providers
Instead of calling 811, health-care providers can call a separate hotline to be screened for the virus. Call 1-833-750-0632.

COVID-19 Healthcare Cybersecurity Update
Saegis is offering free COVID-19 Healthcare Cybersecurity Update, a bilingual e-learning course. The course is comprised of two modules (English or French) that each take about seven minutes to complete.

Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia (PANS) follow up message
PANS is reporting increased errors in EMR faxed prescriptions. Read the full message

COVID-19 Choosing Wisely Canada recommendations

Personal directive app
The personal directive app is simple to complete online from the Legal Info Nova Scotia website. Legal help is available by phone at 1-800-665-9779 or 902-455-3135, live chat or email.

Reduced room rates for health-care providers
The Best Western Plus Dartmouth Hotel and Suites is offering $69 per night and DoubleTree by Hilton is offering $60 per night.

NSHA Mental Health and Addictions online tool

Essential education on palliative care
Courtesy of Pallium Canada and the CMA, six free Learning Essential Approaches to Palliative Care (LEAP) modules are available.

Repatriating retired physicians contact Katrina Philopoulos.

Phishing scams on the rise

Request from the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia (PANS)

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, posters, public education and PPE

Information hubs to watch