Coronavirus update - May 21, 2020

coronavirus labelled test tube

Coronavirus update - May 21, 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 1,045.
    • One death was announced; a resident of Northwood in Halifax, bringing the total number of COVID-19 deaths in Nova Scotia to 58
    • Nine individuals are in hospital (four in ICU) and 959 have recovered
    • To date, Nova Scotia has had 37,078 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 15 residents and four staff with active cases. One other facility has one resident with an active case 
    • Potential exposure to COVID-19 at Dollarama, 85 Damascus Rd. in Bedford from April 29-May 14
    • To prepare for lifting more restrictions by June 1, Dr. Strang outlined the following principles:
      • Personal preventative measures must remain for the foreseeable future, including frequent handwashing, cough etiquette, not touching your face, regularly disinfecting surfaces and physical distancing of six feet or more
      • When it comes to travel, closer to home is best
      • People who are sick/experiencing symptoms must stay home. Officials are aware of barriers (such as lack of child care or sick leave) and are seeking solutions
      • Large gatherings are high risk for outbreaks. Recommendations will be provided in the coming months. Outdoor activities are preferred
      • Advice on the use of masks has evolved based on evidence and may change as the coronavirus threat changes. In today’s low-risk environment, masks can be worn in addition to preventative measures when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Non-medical masks that can be washed and retain their shape are preferred. To be effective, masks must be worn properly (covering both the mouth and nose) and fit snug. Do not share masks. Masks may soon be required in settings for personal services (hair or nail salons) and for medical appointments. Anyone sick or experiencing symptoms must wear a mask to contain the virus.
    • The IWK Health Centre and the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) will resume day and short-stay surgeries and clinics beginning Monday
    • Reminder: Phase two easing of restrictions includes an immediate family or household bubble. Public beaches are reopening, but physical distancing must 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
    • Outside of household bubbles, gatherings among family members, neighbours or friends may take place in groups of five or less, respecting social distancing. If food is involved, everyone must bring their own. Outdoor activities are preferred
  • Nationally, there are 80,555 total cases, 6,062 deaths and 1,369,734 Canadians tested for COVID-19.

ICYMI: virtual care tool kit
Providing health care by phone or video is new for many physicians. This tool kit by DNS guides you through each step of the process: from picking the virtual care solution that’s right for your practice to ensuring your patients get the most out of their virtual visit. Read the tool kit.

Nova Scotia’s dispensing rules relax
Nova Scotia pharmacies are resuming dispensing 60 or 90-day supplies of drugs for patients who regularly receive them. Medications with an unstable drug supply or in short supply will continue to be dispensed in 30-day quantities.

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. Click here for the Zoom meeting link Password is 975004

Special Zoom session: Friday, May 22 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

Two spaces left - 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Feed Nova Scotia COVID-19 food box program
Feed Nova Scotia is offering a new short-term initiative to provide home delivery of food for Nova Scotians who cannot leave their home and lack the funds or means to get food. Physicians may direct their patients to the program. Learn more

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

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