Coronavirus update - April 28, 2020

coronavirus labelled test tube

Coronavirus update - April 28, 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?

The state of emergency in Nova Scotia has been extended until noon on May 3, 2020.

  • Today, 15 new cases of COVID-19 were announced, bringing the total in Nova Scotia to 915.
    • Three deaths were announced – all were residents of Northwood in Halifax. This brings the total number of COVID-19 deaths in Nova Scotia to 27
    • Twelve individuals are in hospital (three in ICU) and 522 have recovered
    • To date, Nova Scotia has had 26,902 negative test results
    • As of April 27, there were 10 licensed long-term care homes and unlicensed seniors’ facilities in Nova Scotia with cases of COVID-19, involving 218 residents and 95 staff 
    • Provincial modelling to June 30, 2020: with good compliance, cases are estimated to be 1,453 (with 35 hospitalizations at peak). With poor compliance, cases could be closer to 6,269 (with 85 hospitalizations at peak). Current measures have reduced cases by about 50%
    • Nova Scotia may be past the outbreak peak but with sporadic clusters of infection, it’s important to watch the trend carefully. It will take 28 consecutive days of no new cases to declare the outbreak over
    • Like other provinces, Nova Scotia is discussing how to slowly and carefully take initial steps to reopen. Decisions will be based on the province’s epidemiology and experience, which may be different from other provinces. Groups, businesses and organizations will be involved in planning. Once a plan is formed, it will be shared. Physical distancing and handwashing will be important parts of a healthy return to the new normal for months to come
    • Schools and daycares will stay closed until at least the long weekend in May and will be reassessed then
    • The Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA), government and psychologists collaborate to enhance support for people affected by the tragedy in the Portapique area. Psychologists across Nova Scotia are offering a free service called Psychological Support Session. Call 902-422-9183 (9 a.m.– 3 p.m. on weekdays) to arrange an appointment within 48 hours
  • Nationally, there are 48,500 cases (48,489 confirmed) and 2,707 deaths from COVID-19 
    • New modelling shows cases are doubling every 16 days; previously, new cases doubled every three days
    • Revised projections predict 66,835 cases and 3,883 deaths by May 5. The projected death rate has increased due to 79% of current cases being in long-term care and seniors’ homes
    • Based on current experience, 17% of patients have required hospitalization; less than 5% have required ICU care
    • The Ontario government released details of its plan to reopen businesses, services and public spaces. Learn more

Income stabilization program now open
Enrollment is now open for the physician income stabilization program. Interested fee-for-service physicians must enrol by Thursday, May 7, at 11:59 p.m. Review the program terms and sign a physician declaration before the deadline. To learn more about the program, register for the webinar on Thursday, April 30 at 7:00 p.m., contact Jessica Moore or call 1-800-563-3427 ext. 4922.

A public thank you
Doctors Nova Scotia launched a video thanking Nova Scotians for their support of doctors and health-care teams, and to acknowledge their diligence in following public health instructions. The collective action of Nova Scotians is helping our province flatten the curve, which protects vulnerable people from getting the virus and our health-care system from becoming overwhelmed.

REVISED! Care during COVID-19: Tips for managing physician clinics during coronavirus
Doctors Nova Scotia has updated this tool kit, which has helpful advice from physicians across the province and other provincial/territorial medical associations.

Cybersecurity update
Criminals are taking advantage of the COVID-19 crisis. California-based Barracuda Networks observed a 667% spike in phishing emails from the end of February until late March. The U.K.’s Action Fraud network said coronavirus-related scams have cost Britons almost $1.7 million Canadian. Take the free Saegis COVID-19 health care cybersecurity e-learning course; it’s comprised of two modules (English or French) that each take seven minutes to complete.

Webinars

Income stabilization program webinar
Learn more about the physician income stabilization program by registering for this webinar. When: Thursday, April 30 at 7 p.m. Register today

Choosing Wisely Canada webinar
Dr. David Juurlink will discuss safety considerations with chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin in the management of COVID-19. When: Wednesday, April 29 at noon to 1:00 p.m. (EST). Register today

Public health update
Join Dr. Gaynor Watson-Creed for this two-hour webinar, which will offer the latest information and protocols from public health. When: Wednesday, April 29 at 7–9 p.m. Register here.

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 are now held daily (Monday–Friday) 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: Wednesday, April 29 at 4–5 p.m. Dr. Angela Cooper on preparing for crisis: a health-care professional’s guide to emotional health. Read the handout for this session. Click here for the Zoom meeting link. Password is 050891

Special Zoom session: Friday, May 1 at 4–5 p.m. – Dr. J. Sadek on how to manage stress in your relationship. Click here for the Zoom meeting link. Password is 050891

Webinar recordings
Review the slide deck and watch the April 21 webinar ‘Clinical decision making in the time of COVID-19 and Choosing Wisely.’ Check out all the previous webinars on the DNS COVID-19 info hub.

Watch the Less is more: resource stewardship in primary care during COVID-19 webinar with Dr. Kimberly Wintemute, primary care co-lead of Choosing Wisely Canada. Learn how primary care practices are reorganizing resources to protect staff and ensure continuity of care during COVID-19.

Reminders

Medical students advocate for emergency child-care for essential workers during COVID-19
Dalhousie Students for Healthcare Providers (DSHP) has written a letter of support for a provincial child-care strategy for essential workers. The DSHP seeks your support. Please read the letter and fill out the signature section.

WCB Nova Scotia’s position on health services during COVID-19
The Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia supports virtual care for health services such as physiotherapy or chiropractic treatments. Patients injured in the workplace who need those services for their recovery and return-to-work plan, should not wait to seek treatment. For more information, click here.

New NSHA in-home blood collection services for eligible patients
Physicians or nurse practitioners can initiate in-home blood collection service for eligible patients requiring urgent/time-sensitive testing for immediate diagnosis or chronic illness management through the NSHA Continuing Care referral process. Read more

Financial measures to help navigate COVID-19
MD Financial offers information and support for physicians navigating the effects of COVID-19 on their finances.

Legal information for Canadian employees and employers
Pink Larkin in partnership with Sherrard Kuzz in Toronto have created an online resource of essential legal information.

Free mental health support for all
Wellness Together Canada is available 24 hours a day and includes free telephone and video counselling sessions. Learn more at www.wellnesstogether.ca or call 1-866-585-0445.

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