Coronavirus update - May 29, 2020

coronavirus labelled test tube

Coronavirus update - May 29, 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, no new cases of COVID-19 were announced (the first day of no cases in 76 days); the total cases in Nova Scotia is 1,055.
    • The total number of COVID-19 deaths in Nova Scotia is 59
    • Eight individuals are in hospital (three in ICU) and 978 have recovered
    • To date, Nova Scotia has had 40,914 negative test results
    • There is one licensed long-term care home in Nova Scotia with active cases of COVID-19. Northwood has 10 residents and four staff with active cases 
    • A new gathering limit of 10 people is effective immediately. Physical distancing of two metres (six feet) is still required, except among members of the same household or family household bubble.
      • The limit is the same indoors and outdoors, with an exception for outdoor weddings and funeral services which can have 15 people
      • The gathering limit applies to things like social gatherings, arts and culture activities (like theatre performances and dance recitals), faith gatherings (no singing), and sports and physical activities. It also applies to businesses whose main function is gatherings, such as theatres, concerts, festivals and sporting activities, and to businesses that are too small to ensure physical distancing
    • Other steps being taken include:
      • Starting June 5, private campgrounds can open for all types of campers. They can only operate at 50% capacity and must ensure public health protocols are followed, including adequate distance between campsites
      • Provincial campgrounds will open to Nova Scotians on June 15, with the reservation line opening June 8. They will operate at a reduced capacity to ensure a minimum of 20 feet between individual campsites
      • Pools can start maintenance work to prepare for reopening, likely in time for summer
      • Sleepover camps are not permitted this year
    • Government is adding 23 new long-term care beds in Bedford, N.S. to help meet the need caused by the pandemic
    • Service reintroduction notices from Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA)
    • Reminder: effective June 5, most businesses required to close under the public health order can reopen following protocols to ensure the safety of staff and customers. See the full list
    • 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
  • Nationally, there are 88,586 total cases, 6,918 deaths and 1,593,4535 Canadians tested for COVID-19. 

Survey on the financial impact of COVID-19 on family practice
The Strategy for Patient Oriented Research Primary and Integrated Health Care Innovation Networks, in partnership with the Larry A. Green Center in the United States, is conducting a clinician survey to better understand the response and capacity of Canadian and international primary care practices to COVID-19. Building Research for Integrated Primary Healthcare in Nova Scotia (BRIC NS) is part of the innovation network. Its goal is getting ongoing quick reads of how things are unfolding in primary care to guide policy and support. This week’s topic is on the financial impact COVID-19 is having on your practice. This is the sixth survey in the series and it takes about five minutes to complete. Take the survey

Federal supports for patients
Do your patients need help with Employment Insurance (EI), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS) and more? Do your patients have disabilities or need extra support getting Service Canada benefits and services? Complete an e-Services form and a Service Canada employee will call you back within two business days. Or call 1-800-O-CANADA. Although Service Canada offices are closed, they are open for business and available by phone and online. See poster (English and French)

Medication access for palliative care patients
While there is not currently a medication supply shortage, physicians are being asked by the 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

Special Zoom session today: Mindfulness for physicians
Join psychiatrist Dr. David Lovas today from 4–5 p.m. for a discussion on mindfulness for physicians. Click here for the Zoom meeting link. Password is 050891 

Zoom session now on Wednesdays: Coping with COVID-19
The daily Zoom meetings with Drs. Jaqueline Kinley and John Chiasson have now concluded. A weekly Zoom session will continue to be held on Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. and is open to all physicians. Click here for the Zoom meeting link. Password is 975004

Thanks to all of the presenters, residents and medical students for volunteering their time and expertise with these sessions to help Nova Scotia physicians prepare for the demands of COVID-19.

Webinar recordings
Watch the webinar recording from the May 28 “Public health update and office-based practices in the new normal” session and check out all the previous webinars on the DNS COVID-19 info hub. Don’t forget to read the guidelines for office-based physicians providing patient care within the new normal of a COVID-19 environment. 

Reminders

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.

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.

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.

Resources

Information hubs to watch