Coronavirus update - May15, 2020

coronavirus labelled test tube

Coronavirus update - May15, 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, eight new cases of COVID-19 were announced, bringing the total in Nova Scotia to 1,034.
    • Four deaths were announced; all were residents of Northwood in Halifax, bringing the total number of COVID-19 deaths in Nova Scotia to 55
    • Nine individuals are in hospital (five in ICU) and 918 have recovered
    • To date, Nova Scotia has had 35,375 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 has 25 residents and 15 staff with active cases. One other facility has one staff member with an active case and another facility has one resident with an active case
    • Phase two of the easing of restrictions is now in effect. The province announced an immediate family or household bubble. Two immediate households or families many come together without physically distancing. The families must be mutually exclusive to each other to minimize the risk of COVID-19 spread. People must be mindful of those who are immunocompromised or have chronic conditions. Visiting must not take place if a member is ill.
    • Public beaches are reopening, but physical distancing must still be observed and groups cannot be larger than five people
    • More outdoor activities are now permitted, including archery, equestrian, golf, paddling, sailing, boating and tennis. Organized coaching and competitions are not permitted
    • Reminder: Phase one of Nova Scotia’s recovery plan is the easing of public health measures relating to outdoor and recreational activities
  • Nationally, there are 73,829 confirmed cases and 5,499 deaths from COVID-19.
    • Nationally, 1,225,049 people have been tested for COVID-19

Two federal subsidies available for physicians
Most physicians who have employees may be eligible for the Temporary Wage Subsidy and the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA). The 10% Temporary Wage Subsidy is equal to 10% of the remuneration paid from March 18 – June 19, 2020 up to $1,375 for each eligible employee to a maximum of $25,000 total per employer. The CEBA will provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to Canadian small businesses and not-for-profits. Repaying the balance of the CEBA loan on or before Dec. 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 25% ($10,000). Speak with your accountant about how you can leverage these supports.

Donations of PPE
Companies or organizations wishing to donate personal protective equipment (PPE) must email ppeoffer@nshealth.ca. All donated items must be reviewed and approved by the Nova Scotia Health Authority’s (NSHA) Infection Prevention and Control before being distributed and used.

Tonight - NSPMP eAccess portal planned outage
There will be a planned outage of the Nova Scotia Prescription Monitoring Program’s (NSPMP) eAccess portal tonight beginning at 10 p.m. until Saturday, May 16 at 12 p.m. For more information, call the NSPMP at 902-496-7123 or 1-888-476-7767. 

ICYMI - Psychological distress among physicians: longitudinal survey
A research study seeks to understand how COVID-19 is affecting physicians. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and was approved by the NSHA’s research ethics board. Contact Dr. Jonathan Bailey for more information.

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 will be held daily (Monday–Friday) until the end of May from noon to 1 p.m. and are open to all physicians. No session on Victoria Day (May 18). Click here for the Zoom meeting link Password is 975004

Tonight - Special Zoom session: Friday, May 15 at 4–5 p.m. – Dr. Nicole Herschenhous on mindfulness for physicians: emotion regulation. Click here for the Zoom meeting link. Password is 050891

Special Zoom session: Wednesday, May 20 at 4–5 p.m. – Dr. John Chiasson presents “Down in flames: burnout plus COVID-19.” Click here for the Zoom meeting link. Password is 050891

Special Zoom session: Friday, May 22 at at 4–5 p.m. – Dr. David Lovas discusses mindfulness for physicians. 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

Medical support services for long-term care
Processes have been established to support a consistent approach to NSHA medical support services for long-term care (LTC) medical directors and physicians.

Kids Help Phone helps all ages
Kids Help Phone offers online tools and clinically-researched resources on their website to support young people during COVID-19. It provides confidential, 24-7 phone counselling (1-800-668-6868) and texting service for youth (text CONNECT to 686868). For The Frontlines Toolkit provides posters, social media assets and much more. Text FRONTLINE to 741741 for free, confidential 24-7 mental health support in both official languages. Check out Wellness Together Canada for free mental health and substance use support services for adults.

Vaping, smoking and COVID-19
The World Health Organization has issued a warning of severe COVID-19 disease and poor outcomes in people who smoke or vape

Study on the impact of COVID-19 on providers
Researchers at the University of Calgary are studying how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted health-care workers across the globe. Take the survey

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 more

Gut Link – telephone consultations
The Division of Digestive Care and Endoscopy is launching Gut Link to enhance support during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. Call 1-888-473-GUTS (4887).

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