Coronavirus update - May 25, 2020

coronavirus labelled test tube

Coronavirus update - May 25, 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; two new cases were announced over the weekend, bringing the total in Nova Scotia to 1,051.
    • The total number of COVID-19 deaths in Nova Scotia is 58
    • Six individuals are in hospital (three in ICU) and 974 have recovered
    • To date, Nova Scotia has had 37,405 negative test results
    • There is one licensed long-term care home in Nova Scotia with active cases of COVID-19. Northwood has 12 residents and four staff with active cases
    • Nova Scotia broadened symptom criteria for when people should be tested for COVID-19 to expand surveillance. People are asked to call 811 for assessment if they have any of the following symptoms (new symptoms are bolded):
    • Changes to Nova Scotia Health Authority’s (NSHA) visitor restrictions during COVID-19 were announced. Two support people are now allowed for people receiving palliative care or medical assistance in dying, for children admitted to hospital and for women in labour. One support person is allowed for children in outpatient settings, patients who need assistance and patients with significant cognitive or physical disabilities
    • The IWK Health Centre (IWK) has announced changes to patient and visitor restrictions. Two support people are allowed for pediatric inpatients and women in labour. One support person is allowed for pediatric appointments, day surgery/recovery room, emergency department and early labour assessment
    • Three Nova Scotia health research leaders have been appointed to a national COVID-19 immunity task force leadership group
    • The IWK and the NSHA will resume day and short-stay surgeries and clinics beginning Monday
  • Nationally, there are 85,103 total cases, 6,454 deaths and 1,479,838 Canadians tested for COVID-19. 

Latest bulletin from Dr. Strang
In the May 22 bulletin, Dr. Strang communicated the expanded symptom criteria and office-based infection prevention and control practices. Learn  more

Deepest sympathy
Doctors Nova Scotia extends thoughts and prayers to the family, colleagues and friends of Dr. Bruce Montgomery, who died over the weekend in a tragic accident. Losses are difficult at any time and particularly so during the pandemic when we cannot gather to pay our respects. 

Quick COVID-19 primary care survey
The Strategy for Patient Oriented Research Primary and Integrated Health Care Innovation Network in Canada in partnership with the Larry A. Green Center for Family Medicine in the U.S. ask physicians to take part in a quick COVID-19 primary care survey. The survey will run for two months and is updated each week to understand what’s happening with COVID-19 in primary care. This week’s survey explores the impact on the day-to-day care you provide. The information collected will be sent to provincial policy makers and will be available online. The survey takes three minutes to complete.

Webinars

Last week for 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

Tonight - Special Zoom session: Monday, May 25 at 4–5 p.m. – Dr. Deborah Parker presents “In this together? A discussion of the impacts COVID-19 has had on our teams and how we can feel safe again.” Click here for the Zoom meeting link. Password is 050891

Special Zoom session: Wednesday, May 27 at 4–5 p.m. – Dr. Zenovia Ursuliak presents “Mind body skills group: three practices that calm your mind, relax your body and lift your spirits.” Click here for the Zoom meeting link. Password is 050891

Special Zoom session: Friday, May 29 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 registe

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

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 to ensure your patients get the most out of their virtual visit.

Two spaces left - join a Balint support group
Drs. Nicole Herschenhous and Ali Manning are starting a six-week virtual Balint group for physicians. Learn more and register or email Dr. Ali Manning.

Two federal subsidies available for physicians
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 Canada Emergency Bank Account (CEBA) will provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to Canadian small businesses and not-for-profits. 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.

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