What’s new?
- Today, 32 new cases of COVID-19 were announced, bringing the total in Nova Scotia to 342.
- Nova Scotia had its first death on April 6, a Cape Breton woman in her 70s with underlying health issues
- Cases range in people aged from under 10 to over 90. Community spread is confirmed
- Eleven individuals are in hospital (five in ICU) and 77 have recovered
- To date, Nova Scotia has had 11,346 negative test results. Travel has been removed as a testing criterion/li>
- A temporary assessment centre has opened in Elmsdale and one will open in Preston
- Emergency Health Services operates two field assessment units: one in Halifax Regional Municipality and one in Cape Breton Regional Municipality
- View a map and graphic presentation of the Nova Scotia cases
- Nationally, there are 18,447 cases (18,433 confirmed) and 401 deaths from COVID-19.
- Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam says the public may wear non-medical masks as an additional measure to protect others around them
REMINDER: Diagnostic code for COVID-19 tracking
The new diagnostic code for tracking COVID-19, both suspected and confirmed cases, is 487.8.
COVID-19 screening for health-care providers
Worried you may have COVID-19? Instead of calling 811, health-care providers can call a separate hotline to be screened for the virus. Call 1-833-750-0632.
Webinars
COVID-19 and long-term care: Discussions with residents and families
Join Dr. Paige Moorhouse to discuss how advanced care planning is key to ensuring health-care professionals and family members have the information they need to make decisions and provide the best care possible. When: Thursday, April 9 at 6–8 p.m. REGISTER HERE
End of life care considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic
This webinar will provide a review of best practices for palliative care during the pandemic, including end of life care and managing respiratory death through sedation. When: Tuesday, April 14 from 6–7:30 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 daily at 1 p.m. and are open to all physicians. There will not be meetings April 10 and 13. Starting Tuesday, April 14 the daily meetings will be from noon to 1 p.m. Click here for the Zoom meeting link.
Reminders
COVID-19 Healthcare Cybersecurity Update
To help Canadian health professionals manage increased risk, Saegis is offering free COVID-19 Healthcare Cybersecurity Update, a bilingual e-learning course. The course is comprised of two modules that each take about seven minutes to complete. The course is available in English or French.
Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia (PANS) follow up message
PANS is reporting increased errors in EMR faxed prescriptions. Information required with prescriptions must be written for virtual care visits. Call the pharmacy if a patient requires medications before 48 to 72 hours. Pharmacies cannot dispense 14 days of opioid agonist maintenance treatment (OAMT), but most will offer home delivery for shorter supplies. Read the full message
COVID-19 Choosing Wisely Canada recommendations
COVID-19 recommendations for clinicians and the public have been developed to raise awareness about using limited health-care resources wisely.
Personal directive app
Last weekend, more than 270 Nova Scotians created a personal directive. The pandemic is an opportunity to talk to patients and families about their wishes. The personal directive app is simple to complete online from the Legal Info Nova Scotia website. Legal help is available by phone at 1-800-665-9779 or 902-455-3135, live chat or email.
Reduced room rates for health-care providers
The Best Western Plus Dartmouth Hotel and Suites is offering $69 per night and DoubleTree by Hilton is offering $60 per night.
Telehealth Zoom privacy and security response
The Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) conducted a privacy impact assessment and Telehealth Zoom is compliant with the province’s privacy legislation. The NSHA will continue to monitor the situation to act on any new issues or concerns.
NSHA Mental Health and Addictions launches online tool
CMPA rebates now issued quarterly
Effective immediately, Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) rebates will be issued quarterly. This is a permanent change not specific to COVID-19, though many physicians are facing reduced income and cash flow issues at this time. Watch for an upcoming MSI Physicians’ Bulletin for details.
Essential education on palliative care
Courtesy of Pallium Canada and the CMA, six free Learning Essential Approaches to Palliative Care (LEAP) modules are available. Visit pallium.ca for more information or contact Cécile Bensimon at the CMA.
Repatriating retired physicians contact Katrina Philopoulos.
Request from the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia (PANS)
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
- Proper handwashing poster
- Information on how to self-isolate
- Social distancing best practices
- Social distancing poster
- Vulnerable populations and COVID-19
- How to care for person with COVID-19 at home: advice for caregivers
- OMA infographic PPE
- Resources on coping with COVID-19
- Economic measures to support Canadians
- New virtual care tool available (DHW notice) (DNS virtual care options)
- Guidance for physician employers
Information hubs to watch