Dear Doctor,
Physicians are on the frontlines of our province’s COVID-19 response, leading a frightened public through a challenging time. Doctors Nova Scotia (DNS) wants to ensure that you have what you need to look after yourself and your families, as you respond to the situation on the frontlines. Please contact us if there is anything we can do to help. We are proud to support you and your dedicated colleagues.
Today, 13 new cases of COVID-19 were announced, bringing the total in Nova Scotia to 41. All are related to travel or close contact and are spread across the province. The 41 people range in age from under 10 to mid-70s. One person was released from hospital and another has been admitted.
Cross-border restrictions and social distancing
With the province now in a state of emergency, Nova Scotians must stay two metres (six feet) away from others and gatherings of five or more people are banned. All points of entry are being monitored and only essential travel is permitted. Anyone entering the province will be questioned and told to self-isolate for 14 days.
Health-care workers, including physicians, are exempt from self-isolating after travel within Canada, as are Nova Scotians entering or exiting the province for specialized medical treatment. A lane will be added for essential service providers, which includes physicians, to allow their movement across the border.
Health-care providers in the workplace are exempt from the social distancing rule of two metres and the gathering limit of less than five people. This includes:
- Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) employees
- IWK Health Centre employees
- Physicians and nurse practitioners
- Department of Health and Wellness (DHW)-funded home support agencies and VON
- Nursing homes
- Residential care facilities
Virtual care: Zoom health care
This evening, the Nova Scotia government announced it had signed a license agreement with Zoom.us to support patient care and health-care providers during the pandemic. Telehealth Zoom has been approved as a virtual care platform for use on an interim basis for all health-care providers (physicians, nurse practitioners, allied health professionals and their staff). Nova Scotia physicians (and their staff) will be able to use the “Zoom for Healthcare” service for one year at no charge. Zoom supports “synchronous” virtual care, which includes telehealth, telemedicine or video conferencing. Watch for more details in tomorrow’s update.
COVID-19 webinars, recordings and info hub
Tonight was the last scheduled COVID-19 webinar, however, interest remains high. Doctors Nova Scotia is working to have the webinars continue throughout the pandemic and is seeking continuing professional development accreditation for them. Thanks to Drs. Claudia Sarbu, Ryan Sommers and Mark McKelvie for producing the webinar. Find webinar recordings on the DNS COVID-19 information hub.
The hub also lists all DNS coronavirus emails and includes a list of frequently asked questions on all aspects of the pandemic, including advice on self-isolation, virtual care, personal protective equipment (PPE), plus much more.
* Login is required. The content is password protected to ensure the public uses the government website for updates. Need help? email cat.henderson@doctorsns.com.
Feeling overwhelmed?
During this difficult time, you may be experiencing fatigue, worry and anxiety. If you’re feeling exhausted and anxious—or just want someone to talk to—contact the Professional Support Program. Confidential support is available to you 24-7 and is just a call or email away. Call 902-468-8215 or 1-855-275-8215 (toll-free) or email professionalsupport@doctorsns.com.
NS Emergency Management Act
To understand the Minister’s powers under a declared emergency, please see section 14.
Remember:
- N-95 masks are only required when doing aerosol generating medical procedures
- As of 11:00 a.m. (EST) on March 23 there are 1432 confirmed and 42 presumptive cases and 20 deaths of COVID-19 in Canada. The virus continues to spread globally.
- Personal protective equipment and ventilators are on order through a national procurement program.
Information hubs to watch
- NSHA updates and services cancellations
- IWK updates and service cancellations
- DNS updates and information
REMINDERS
Repatriating retired physicians
Doctors who have retired in the past three years may be eligible to return to practise. Contact Katrina Philopoulos at Katrina.Philopoulos@nshealth.ca if you are interested.
March 18, 2020 letter to Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) Central Zone physicians
The Division of General Internal Medicine will not be accepting non-urgent ambulatory referrals. The division is also cancelling all non-urgent follow-up appointments. Read the letter.
Posters, public education & PPE
Self-monitoring vs. self-isolation vs. isolation for COVID-19
How to care for person with COVID-19 at home: advice for caregivers
OMA infographic PPE
Insurance for lost time
If you have disability coverage other than OMA, please consult your plan providers about things like waiting periods and eligibility for quarantine versus illness.
Travel
Anyone who has travelled outside of Nova Scotia must self-isolate for 14 days when they return to the province. Health-care workers, including physicians, are exempt from self-isolating after travel within Canada.
DNS staff & meetings/events
All DNS meetings and events are cancelled or have moved to a virtual meeting. Employees are working from home until April 8. You may reach us by email or by phone 902-468-1866 or toll free at 1-800-563-3427.
Additional resources:
Department of Health and Wellness (public)
Nova Scotia Health Authority (physician and provider hub)
811 assessment – when to call (advice for patients)
Government of Canada
Nova Scotia Public Health offices
Canadian Medical Association