Coronavirus update - May 28, 2020

coronavirus labelled test tube

Coronavirus update - May 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?

  • Today, two new cases of COVID-19 were announced, bringing the total in Nova Scotia to 1,055.
    • The total number of COVID-19 deaths in Nova Scotia is 59
    • Eight individuals are in hospital (three in ICU) and 977 have recovered
    • To date, Nova Scotia has had 40,240 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 
    • Effective June 5, most businesses required to close under the public health order can reopen following protocols to ensure physical distancing, increased cleaning and other protective measures for staff and customers. The following businesses may open if they are ready:
      • restaurants for dine-in service, as well as takeout and delivery
      • bars, wineries, distilleries and taprooms (lounges are not permitted to reopen at this time)
      • personal services, such as hair salons, barber shops, spas, nail salons and body art establishments
      • fitness facilities, such as gyms, yoga studios and climbing facilities
      • veterinarians
    • Other health providers can also reopen on June 5, provided they follow protocols in their colleges’ and associations’ plans, as approved by public health. These include:
      • dentistry and other self-regulated health professions such as optometry, chiropractic and physiotherapy
      • unregulated health professions such as massage therapy, podiatry and naturopathy
    • A new date of June 15 has been picked to safely reopen the child-care sector. The date will be confirmed and shared with Nova Scotians once the plan is approved.
    • The new Small Business Reopening and Support Grant is a $25 million fund to provide grants to help eligible businesses, non-profits, charities and social enterprises open safely, as well as business continuity vouchers for advice and support. Applications will begin June 1. Find more information about it online.
    • Province invests $230 million to stimulate the economy and create jobs, hospital renovations included
    • Reminder: Nova Scotia has broadened symptom criteria for when people should be tested for COVID-19 to expand surveillance. New symptoms:
      • Muscle aches
      • Sneezing
      • Hoarse voice
      • Diarrhea
      • Unusual fatigue
      • Loss of sense of smell or taste
      • Red, purple or blueish lesions on the feet, toes or fingers without clear cause

Medication access for palliative care patients
While there is not currently a medication supply shortage, physicians are being asked by the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA), palliative care and hospice officials to anticipate future challenges. Physicians are advised to manage medication supplies to minimize waste. As an interim measure, community pharmacists can request a supply from a hospital pharmacy when they cannot fill prescriptions in a timely manner. Read the full message 

Webinars

Webinar tonight - Public health update and office-based practices in the new normal

Join Dr. Robert Strang, Chief Medical Officer of Health for the latest public health update and a discussion on providing health care safely during the pandemic. The webinar will offer tips and guidance for operating office-based practices in this environment. When: Thursday, May 28 from 7-8 p.m. Register here. The province and public health have published guidelines for office-based physicians providing patient care within the new normal of a COVID-19 environment.

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

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

Webinar recordings
Missed a webinar? Check out webinar recordings on the DNS COVID-19 info hub.

Reminders

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

Balint support group starts June 8 – three spaces left
The Nova Scotia Physicians’ Balint group, led by Drs. Nicole Herschenhous and Ali Manning, will take place Monday evenings at 6-7 p.m. from June 8-July 13 (first meeting runs until 7:30 p.m.) There are three spaces left. Register here. Not able to make this session but interested in future Balint groups?  Email Dr. Ali Manning to add your name to the interest list.

Two federal subsidies are available for physicians: the 10% Temporary Wage Subsidy and the Canada Emergency Bank Account (CEBA). 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.

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