What’s new?

To monitor data on a daily basis, see the Nova Scotia and Canadian data pages.

• Five new cases have been announced since last Thursday’s update (one Friday and four over the weekend); all are in the central zone and relate to travel outside Atlantic Canada
• The state of emergency has been renewed until noon on Nov. 1
• There were potential COVID-19 exposures as follows:
  • Air Canada flight 604 on Oct. 15 from Toronto to Halifax. It departed Toronto at 8 a.m. Passengers in rows 21-27 in seats D, E and F are more likely to have had close contact
  • On Oct. 12 between 5-6 p.m. an individual(s) took a cab from Halifax Stanfield International Airport to a residence in Halifax
  • Air Canada flight 610 on Oct. 12 from Toronto to Halifax. It departed Toronto at 2:10 p.m. Passengers in rows 10-16 in seats D, E and F are more likely to have had close contact
  • Air Canada flight 604 on Oct. 12 from Toronto to Halifax. It departed Toronto at 8 a.m. Passengers in rows 27-30 in seats A, B and C are more likely to have had close contact

Free PPE extended until end of 2020
The government will supply community physicians with free appropriate PPE for this flu season, until Dec. 31, 2020. This additional PPE specifically includes gloves for administering intranasal influenza vaccine and additional medical masks, gowns, gloves, hand sanitizer and face shields to have on hand to provide first aid and/or emergency assistance. Community physicians can click here to submit a request to the Department of Health and Wellness for additional PPE supplies for administering flu vaccinations. Either update previous request or make a new request. Your organization will be notified by email of the approved supply and instructions for online ordering. For more information, email PPErequest@novascotia.ca.

Online booking service now available for five more Nova Scotia Health sites
Patients can now book appointments online for blood collection at Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, New Waterford Consolidated Hospital, Western Kings Memorial Health Centre, Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital and Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital. This is in addition to 18 other Nova Scotia Health locations already offering online appointment booking. Learn more.

Reminders

Shortage in pediatric neurology
Wait times for both new and follow-up visits are being affected by the current shortage of pediatric neurologists at the IWK Health Centre. See the attached memo from Drs. Paula Brna and Andrew Lynk, asking colleagues to be aware of the challenges and to ensure reasonable expectations regarding potential delays. Learn more

Webinars

Family medicine in the new normal
Reopening a family practice safely can be daunting. In this session, infectious disease experts Drs. Lynn Johnston and Jeannette Comeau will discuss what is known about COVID-19 in both adults and children, how COVID-19 is the new normal and considerations for safe care of patients in person. When: Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 7 – 9 p.m. Register today

’Tis the Season: Discussing immunization care during the pandemic and beyond
Immunizations are a pillar for physicians in their role as health-care providers. It’s a call of duty to ensure physicians continue providing up-to-date and timely immunizations in accordance with national and international guidelines. This webinar will explore challenges in immunization administration during the pandemic and beyond, with discussions regarding influenza season. This CANVax webinar is recommended by Nova Scotia Health and is presented by Dr. Christine Palmay, a family doctor in Toronto. When: Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 1 – 2 p.m. (ET). Register today

COVID, Simulation and the Second Wave: What you need to know to prepare
This webinar is presented by The Sim Ed Collaborative as part of the Faculty of Medicine FacDev Thursday Seminar Series. When: Thursday, Oct. 29 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. Join here

Organ and tissue donation webinar – understand your responsibilities
Beginning in January 2021, physicians may need to talk to patients and families about their organ and tissue donation wishes. Join a webinar with Drs. Jennifer Hancock and Dr. Robin Urquhart. They will discuss the changes to Nova Scotia’s Human Organ and Tissue Donation Act (HOTDA) and its impact on clinicians and patients. Learn how to identify and refer potential donors to Legacy of Life, provide guidance on conducting conversations with families and substitute decision-makers, and discuss barriers to implementing HOTDA in your practice. When: Tuesday, Nov. 3 from 7 – 9 p.m. Register today

DNS webinar recordings
Did you miss a webinar? Recordings are available; here are the most recent:

• Oct. 14: Preventing COVID-19 transmission in schools
• Oct. 6: Seasonal flu and COVID-19

Check out recordings of previous webinars on the DNS COVID-19 info hub.

ICYMI

Physician resilience COVID-19 study 
Drs. Jackie Kinley and John Chiasson provided daily support sessions and webinars to help physicians cope during the COVID-19 pandemic. Physicians are invited to complete a brief survey about the experience to help guide the response for the next wave of COVID-19. Take the survey

DNS staff, meetings and events
All DNS meetings and events have moved to a virtual format. You may reach staff by email or by calling 902-468-1866 or toll free at 1-800-563-3427.

Resources
Note: See the DNS COVID-19 hub for a complete list of COVID-19 resources.

• Navigating work exemption requests during COVID-19
• Medical appointments for rotational workers
• CMA Physician Wellness Hub
• Nova Scotia Health’s Addictions Medicine Consult Service FAQ or information card 
• COVID-19 Signs, Symptoms and Severity of Disease – A Clinician Guide – June 18, 2020
• Nova Scotia Health guidelines for re-introduction of in-office primary care
• Updated: Guidance for physician employers (legal information)
• Medical students provide companionship to isolated patients - The Rural and Isolated Support Endeavor (RISE)

Information hubs to watch

• Nova Scotia Health updates and service cancellations
• IWK updates and service cancellations
• Doctor Nova Scotia updates and information
• Dalhousie CPD COVID-19 webpage
• Department of Health and Wellness
• 811 assessment – when to call
• Government of Canada
• Canadian Medical Association
• Canadian Pediatric Society COVID-19 resources for the care of children