What’s new?

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

• On Friday, the list of COVID-19 symptoms was updated to reflect the epidemiology in Nova Scotia. The public is asked to contact 811 if in the past 48 hours they have had or are currently experiencing fever or cough (new or worsening) or two or more of the following symptoms (new or worsening): sore throat, runny nose, headache, shortness of breath.
• The state of emergency has been extended until noon on Sunday, Sept. 20, unless government terminates or extends it.
• Government is further easing restrictions in long-term care homes (as early as Sept. 11) to allow designated caregivers to help support residents. Designated caregivers can be family members, spouses, friends or other support people. They must be associated with specific caregiving tasks like personal care support, mobility or help with eating, and have an established caregiving relationship with the resident prior to COVID-19. Long-term care facilities will:
  • work with residents, families and substitute decision-makers to identify up to two designated caregivers per resident; only one designated caregiver may visit at a time
  • train caregivers on public health requirements, including masking, good hand and respiratory hygiene, and facility procedures
  • provide medical masks for caregivers to wear while with residents
  • establish processes to screen caregivers upon entry and to easily identify caregivers on-site
  • individual long-term care homes will work to implement these changes as early as Sept. 11, while considering the unique situations of residents and caregivers. Potential caregivers will make arrangements with individual facilities for training and visitation 

Special bulletin from Dr. Rob Strang
The revised 811 screening criteria for testing now includes if in the past 48 hours a person has had or is currently experiencing fever or cough (new or worsening) or two or more of the following symptoms (new or worsening): sore throat, runny nose, headache, shortness of breath. Dr. Strang emphasized the need to screen patients virtually for illness before in-person visits and to screen people who should be self-isolating to ensure they are compliant. He also provided information for office-based infection prevention and control. Read the memo

Reminders

Days left to order free personal protective equipment
The Department of Health and Wellness (DHW) is providing community-based physicians and their staff with personal protective equipment (PPE) at no cost until early September (Doctors Nova Scotia has not been informed of a cut-off date, so continue to order until more info is shared). Click here to submit a request to DHW for PPE. Your organization will be notified by email of the approved supply and instructions for online ordering. For more information, email PPErequest@novascotia.ca.

Webinar series to prepare for the school year​​​​​​​
The IWK Health Centre and Nova Scotia’s Department of Early Education and Childhood Development have partnered to offer Road to Resilience: Skills and strategies to prepare for the upcoming school year. This webinar series is intended for parents, caregivers and families of school-aged children to prepare for the upcoming school year, helping them achieve resilience and wellness, cope with change and uncertainty, and build relationships. Learn more 

Virtual care survey
Nova Scotia Health and the IWK Health Centre are surveying care providers on their experience using virtual care tools made available as a result of COVID-19. The information gathered from the survey will be used in a rapid review study led by Dr. Tara Sampalli (NSH) and Dr. Jordan Sheriko (IWK).  The information collected for the review will help inform future planning as it relates to virtual care. Complete the survey

Webinars
Doctors Nova Scotia-hosted webinars and physician support sessions via Zoom have ended for the time being.

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

ICYMI

Navigating work exemption requests during COVID-19
Doctors Nova Scotia has created a guide to help family physicians respond to work exemption requests.

COVID-19 and seasonal influenza
The federal government has released guidance for influenza vaccine delivery in the presence of COVID-19. It includes recommendations for safely holding flu vaccine clinics, allowing for social distancing, etc.

Physician resilience COVID-19 study 
Drs. Jackie Kinley and John Chiasson provided daily support sessions and webinars to help physicians cope during the COVID-19 pandemic. Physicians are invited to complete a brief survey about the experience to help guide the response for the next wave of COVID-19. Take the survey

ECHO Coping with COVID program available across Canada
This free program is intended for Canadian health-care providers and residents responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal is to promote resilience, connection and wellness at a time that many people are experiencing isolation, burnout and stress. Sessions run twice per week on Wednesdays 12:30-1:30 p.m. (EST) and Fridays 2-3 p.m. (EST). Learn more

Balint support group starting in September
Drs. Nicole Herschenhous and Ali Manning will be offering an eight week, Zoom-based Balint group starting Sept. 14. Sessions will be held weekly on Monday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m. (skipping stat holidays). Balint groups are closed groups of eight to 12 physicians who use case-based discussion to provide and receive support around emotions and ethical dilemmas arising in their work. These groups help reduce burnout while improving communication skills and empathy. For more information or to register, email alexandra.manning@nshealth.ca.  

NEW Addictions Medicine Consult Service
Nova Scotia Health’s Addictions Medicine Consult Service provides rapid addictions medicine consultant advice. The service is available weekdays 8:30a.m.-4:30 p.m. by calling 1-855-970-0234. Learn more: FAQ or information card.

CMA Wellness Support Line
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has launched a Wellness Support Line. The line is linked with the DNS Professional Support Program (PSP) and is available 24-7. Call the PSP at 902-468-8215 or 1-855-275-8215 (toll-free).

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

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

• 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