Coronavirus Update - March 30, 2020

The COVID-19 situation in Nova Scotia is changing rapidly. Check the links at the bottom for the latest updates.

What’s New?

Five new cases of COVID-19 were announced today and 32 new cases were announced over the weekend, bringing the total in Nova Scotia to 127.

Most cases are from travel or close contact, with people ranging in age from under 10 to mid-70s
One case is the result of community spread
Four individuals are in hospital and 10 have recovered
To date, Nova Scotia has had 5,054 negative test results. Testing was previously expanded to include:
- anyone referred by 811 to an assessment centre
- close contacts of people who test positive
- people in hospital that meet testing criteria
Possible exposures were reported at Highland Eye Care in New Glasgow (March 11), Charles V. Keating Centre in Antigonish (March 12, during the Nova Scotia Major Bantam Hockey League Provincials) and at Rob Bitar’s Ristorante in Elmsdale (March 23 and 24)
A non-resident at Magnolia Residential Care Home in Enfield has tested positive. Residents, their families and facility staff have been notified
An employee at R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home in Antigonish has tested positive for COVID-19. An employee at Lewis Hall, a private retirement community in Dartmouth, has also tested positive. Residents, their families and staff at both facilities have been notified
School closures are extended to May 1. All school trips and exams are cancelled. All Grade 12 students on track to graduate will graduate. Other students on track to grade will grade
E-learning was announced for all English and French schools in Nova Scotia. Schools will reach out to families. Families without internet access will receive mailout packages. Learn more

Improved virtual care fees
Find details in the March 24 MSI Physicians’ Bulletin. All premium fees are also applicable, though this is not stated in the bulletins. If the 03.03x code is more remunerative than the applicable in-person fee code, bill the 03.03x code as outlined in the March 18 MSI Physicians’ Bulletin.

Billing rules for virtual care by residents
During the pandemic, virtual care provided by residents can be billed the same way as care provided in a face-to-face visit ( March 24 MSI Physicians’ Bulletin), as long as the resident and supervising physician are co-located. Residents are not able to bill the new pandemic virtual care fee code 03.03x. Find full details in the March 27 MSI Physicians’ Bulletin.

Teaching stipend
The 2019 Master Agreement includes funding for preceptorship: $450/week for students and $250/week for resident electives. This new funding recognizes the teaching of non-clinical academic funding plan (C/AFP) physicians across the province. While the new payments were to be effective April 1, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it impossible to finalize program details within this timeline. Dalhousie is chairing a working group to develop a framework for these payments. Payments will be retroactive to April 1, 2020. Doctors Nova Scotia will share program rules and eligibility when it’s finalized.

Health screening for physicians
The Department of Health and Wellness (DHW) has set up an alternate phone line for COVID-19 initial assessments to ensure health-care providers are virus-free and able to safely provide care, reducing the demand on 811. Physicians can access the screening service by calling 1-833-750-0632.

Phishing scams on the rise
Cyber fraudsters are preying on vulnerabilities spurred by the pandemic. Read more

Request from the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia (PANS)
Click here to read a message to physicians from Allison Bodnar, CEO of PANS. The association is seeking physician feedback on: prescription dispensing limits; requests to call, fax or e-prescribe prescriptions; new delivery methods; improved communication with physicians; and physician involvement with controlled drugs and substances prescriptions.

Webinars:

Virtual care
Join us April 1 for the webinar “Diving into virtual care: Tips for getting the most out of virtual care” with Drs. John Ross, Ajantha Jayabarathan (“AJ”), David LaPierre and others. Each presenter will share their tips for success followed by a question and answer session. When: Wednesday, April 1 at 6-8 p.m. Register here

Personal protective equipment (PPE) education
Join Drs. Claudia Sarbu, Maria Alexiadis, Lynn Johnston and Ian Davis for a two-hour webinar to provide the latest information and protocols from Public Health. Gain an understanding of the appropriate use of PPE and how its supply will be managed in Nova Scotia. When: Thursday, April 2 at 6-8p.m. Register here

Reminders

In the workplace, physicians are exempt from the social distancing rule of two metres and the gathering limit of less than five people
N-95 masks are only required when doing aerosol generating medical procedures
On March 30 there are 6,317 confirmed and three presumptive cases and 66 deaths of COVID-19 in Canada. The virus continues to spread globally
Personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilators are on order through a national procurement program

Repatriating retired physicians
Doctors who have retired in the past three years may be eligible to return to practise. Contact Katrina Philopoulos.

Cross-border restrictions – clarification
Physicians and other health-care workers who have travelled outside of Nova Scotia must self-isolate for 14 days. Physicians in self-isolation may work from home via telephone, Telehealth and secure video. The only exception is for physicians who cross the Nova Scotia land border on a regular and ongoing basis. For example, someone living in New Brunswick who commutes to Nova Scotia for work. Click here for details.

Examinations and licensing
The Medical Council of Canada, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the College of Family Physicians of Canada have all postponed their examinations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more info, email registration@cpsns.ns.ca.

DNS COVID-19 webinars CME accredited
Attendees must complete an evaluation for the series. Please note the date of the webinar when providing comments in the comment boxes. You may submit more than one evaluation.

Reduced room rate – The DoubleTree by Hilton
The DoubleTree by Hilton is offering a $60 per night room rate for physicians. Contact Jeff Dursi (email) or 902-464-5410 or call the hotel directly at 902-463-1100.

Insurance for lost time
If you have disability coverage other than OMA, please consult your plan providers about things like waiting periods and eligibility for quarantine versus illness.

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, posters, public education and PPE

Information hubs to watch