Dear Doctor,
Physicians are on the frontlines of Nova Scotia’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 family as you respond to the situation. Please contact us if there is anything we can do to help. We are proud to support you and your dedicated colleagues.
Today, 10 new cases of COVID-19 were announced, bringing the total in Nova Scotia to 51.
- All cases are related to travel or close contact and are spread across the province. The 51 people range in age from under 10 to mid-70s. One individual remains in hospital. One individual has recovered and their case is considered resolved.
- To date, Nova Scotia has 2,474 negative test results and 51 confirmed cases.
- Test processing capacity at the QEII Microbiology Lab in Halifax has doubled from 200 to 400 per day.
- 811 phone lines and staff capacity has been increased to manage demand. 50 additional nurses have been hired and 40 more are in training
Family practice recommendations
The Department of Family Medicine offers advice for physicians on telephone triage, telephone prescriptions, virtual care, Zoom Health, office schedules, limiting physical examinations, personal protective equipment, office cleaning, plus much more. Learn more
COVID-19 quick reference for primary care providers
This NSHA reference provides guidance on ensuring the safety of patients and providers, and how to reduce the community spread of COVID-19. Learn more
For physicians who employ their own staff, the Labour Standards Code will apply, as well as the terms and conditions of the employment contract. See the attached frequently asked questions for guidance (not legal advice). Advice may change depending on the facts of each case.
Cross-border restrictions and social distancing - clarifications
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.
Healthy health-care workers, including physicians, who are travelling for work purposes are exempt from self-isolating after travel by land within Canada. Nova Scotians entering or exiting the province for specialized medical treatment are also exempt. 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
New virtual care tool available
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a secure virtual care tool has been approved for use on an interim basis for all physicians, their staff and other allied health professionals such as nurse practitioners. Zoom for Healthcare, a secure video conferencing platform, provides high quality video, even in low-bandwidth environments.
Click here for a notice from DHW that outlines the benefits of the tool, supports, custodial responsibilities and how to submit an account request to the NSHA.
Click here for a DNS two-pager on all the virtual care options that are available to you now.
Examinations and licensing
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia has been advised that the Medical Council of Canada, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the College of Family Physicians of Canada have all postponed their examinations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- If you have registered for an examination, rest assured that this will not negatively affect your medical licensure.
- If you are provisionally licensed at present, your provisional licensure will be extended.
- If you are at the end of training and contemplating independent practice, you will be considered eligible for provisional licensure.
If you have any questions, please contact the College’s registration department at: registration@cpsns.ns.ca
New Webinar: Running your office-based practice in a COVID-19 environment
Join the next webinar: Recommendations for running an office-based practice in response to COVID-19
This webinar will provide an overview of the new virtual care fee codes and virtual care tools. Drs. Maria Alexiadis and Joanna Zed will present recommendations for office-based practices in response to COVID-19. Dr. Gus Grant will outline the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia's expectations for practice in a COVID-19 environment. Join us for ideas and information sharing and an opportunity to ask your questions related to these topics.
When: Thursday, March 26, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
COVID-19 webinars now CME accredited
Doctors Nova Scotia hopes to offer regular COVID-19 webinars to keep you informed of the latest information and provide a forum for your questions. The COVID-19 webinar series (March 16, 17, 18 and 23) is cosponsored by Dalhousie University Continuing Professional Development.
Family physicians may claim 2.0 Mainpro+ credits and specialists may claim 2.0 credit hours.
Attendees are required to complete an evaluation.
COVID-19 recordings and info hub
The March 23 COVID-19 webinar recording is now available. The session was attended by 438 physicians. Find all of the 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 self-isolation, virtual care, personal protective equipment, plus much more.
This content is password protected to ensure the public uses the government website for updates. For help logging in, 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.
Remember:
- N-95 masks are only required when doing aerosol generating medical procedures
- As of 6:00 p.m. (EST) on March 24 there are 1646 confirmed and 445 presumptive cases and 24 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.
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.
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