What’s new?

To monitor data on a daily basis, see the Nova Scotia and Canadian data pages.

• Online booking for COVID-19 testing appointments is now available for any Nova Scotian getting a test through primary assessment centres in the Central Zone or at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax. Central Zone includes Halifax Regional Municipality, Eastern Shore and West Hants. Online booking is expected to be available in the Northern, Western and Eastern Zones by the second week of November. Learn more
• There were potential exposures to COVID-19 on:
  • Air Canada flight 626 on Oct. 24 from Toronto to Halifax. It departed Toronto at 9:30 p.m., landing in Halifax at 12:15 a.m. on Oct. 25. Passengers in rows 18 to 24, in seats A, B and C are more likely to have had close contact
  • WestJet flight 254 on Oct. 17 from Toronto to Halifax. It departed Toronto at 9:45 p.m., landing in Halifax at 12:47 a.m. on Oct. 18. Passengers in rows 1 to 5, in seats A, B, C and D are more likely to have had close contact

Two seats left: virtual Managing Disruptive Behaviour course
Understand the signs of disruptive behavior and how to deal with it by attending the virtual Physician Leadership Institute course “Managing Disruptive Behaviour” Nov. 20 – 22. Doctors Nova Scotia has subsidized 60% percent of program costs for physicians. Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. tonight. Register today 

Reminders

COVID-19 testing
When advising patients about getting tested for COVID-19, please direct them to the online COVID-19 self-assessment service. It’s a faster option for patients. People can still call 811 if they cannot access the online tool or wish to discuss their symptoms with a nurse.

Webinars

COVID, Simulation and the Second Wave: What you need to know to prepare
This webinar is presented by The Sim Ed Collaborative as part of the Faculty of Medicine FacDev Thursday Seminar Series. When: Thursday, Oct. 29 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. Join here

Organ and tissue donation webinar – understand your responsibilities
Beginning in January 2021, physicians may need to talk to patients and families about their organ and tissue donation wishes. Join a webinar with Drs. Jennifer Hancock and Robin Urquhart. They will discuss the changes to Nova Scotia’s Human Organ and Tissue Donation Act (HOTDA) and its impact on clinicians and patients. Learn how to identify and refer potential donors to Legacy of Life, provide guidance on conducting conversations with families and substitute decision-makers, and discuss barriers to implementing HOTDA in your practice. When: Tuesday, Nov. 3 from 7 – 9 p.m. Register today

DNS webinar recordings
Did you miss a webinar? Recordings are available; here are the most recent:

• Oct. 27: Family medicine in the new normal 
• Oct. 14: Preventing COVID-19 transmission in schools
• Oct. 6: Seasonal flu and COVID-19

Check out recordings of previous webinars on the DNS COVID-19 info hub.

ICYMI

Free PPE extended until end of 2020
Government will supply community physicians with free personal protective equipment (PPE) for this flu season, until Dec. 31. This includes gloves for administering intranasal influenza vaccine and additional medical masks, gowns, gloves, hand sanitizer and face shields for providing first aid and/or emergency assistance. Community physicians can click here to submit a request to the Department of Health and Wellness for additional PPE supplies for administering flu vaccinations; either update a previous request or make a new one. Your organization will be notified by email of the approved supply and instructions for online ordering. For more information, email PPErequest@novascotia.ca.

DNS staff, meetings and events
All DNS meetings and events have moved to a virtual format. You may reach staff by email or by calling 902-468-1866 or toll free at 1-800-563-3427.

Resources
Note: See the DNS COVID-19 hub for a complete list of COVID-19 resources.

• Navigating work exemption requests during COVID-19
• Medical appointments for rotational workers
• CMA Physician Wellness Hub
• Nova Scotia Health’s Addictions Medicine Consult Service FAQ or information card 
• COVID-19 Signs, Symptoms and Severity of Disease – A Clinician Guide – June 18, 2020
• Nova Scotia Health guidelines for re-introduction of in-office primary care
• Updated: Guidance for physician employers (legal information)
• Medical students provide companionship to isolated patients - The Rural and Isolated Support Endeavor (RISE)

Information hubs to watch

• Nova Scotia Health updates and service cancellations
• IWK updates and service cancellations
• Doctor Nova Scotia updates and information
• Dalhousie CPD COVID-19 webpage
• Department of Health and Wellness
• 811 assessment – when to call
• Government of Canada
• Canadian Medical Association
• Canadian Pediatric Society COVID-19 resources for the care of children