What’s new?
- Today, 31 new cases of COVID-19 were announced, bringing the total in Nova Scotia to 373.
- Nova Scotia had its second COVID-19 death. On April 8, a woman in her 90s with underlying health issues died in Cape Breton Regional Hospital
- Cases range in people aged from under 10 to over 90. Community spread is confirmed
- Ten individuals are in hospital (four in ICU) and 82 have recovered
- To date, Nova Scotia has had 12,177 negative test results. Travel has been removed as a testing criterion
- Screening: if a person has two or more symptoms of fever, new or worsening cough, sore throat, runny nose or headache they should be assessed by 811
- Possible exposures to COVID-19 were reported on Halifax Transit buses on April 3 and 4 on routes 10, 62 and 60
- View a map and graphic presentation of the Nova Scotia cases
- New directive: offshore and temporary foreign workers must self-isolate for 14-days upon entering the province. Fishermen must self-isolate for 14 days upon returning to the province and can do so aboard their vessel
- Nationally, there are 19,774 cases (19,759 confirmed) and 461 deaths from COVID-19
- The federal government released national modelling that predicts nearly 32,000 cases of COVID-19 and 500–700 deaths in Canada by April 16
- With strong controls, Canada could see 934,000–1.9 million or more cases, 22,000 deaths and 23,000–46,000 ICU admissions. The picture is bleaker if public health measures are not followed
CLARIFICATION: CMPA rebates
As mentioned, Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) rebates will be issued quarterly. Eligible members who have already signed a business arrangement form need take no action. Payment will be made automatically.
Income stability program
Doctors Nova Scotia and the Department of Health and Wellness have agreed to an income stability program for fee-for-service (FFS) physicians in Nova Scotia to meet the demands of the health-care system during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program offers two options to FFS physicians during the pandemic or as determined by government. Read more
COPD support
The INSPIRED COPD outreach program provides education and support for people with COPD and their families. The team can help with dyspnea management at end of life and can assist primary care providers with virtual management by referral. Learn more
ICYMI: NSHA masking guidelines
See the April 7 PPE message to physicians and staff about masking guidelines and the frequently asked questions document (updated April 8) for detailed information. Send questions to coronavirus@nshealth.ca
COVID-19 questions launched
The CMA, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the College of Family Physicians of Canada have launched covidquestions.ca, a website where top questions from the public about COVID-19 will be answered by reputable sources.
Dalhousie CPD COVID-19 webpage
Dalhousie Continuing Professional Development has created a webpage for physicians with resources and webinars on COVID-19.
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
TONIGHT! 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
Surviving COVID-19: Mental health and coping strategies
Join Drs. John Chiasson and Jackie Kinley for this two-hour CME-accredited webinar where you’ll learn tips and coping strategies for you, your team and your family in the face of a pandemic. When: April 15 from 7–9 p.m. REGISTER HERE
Understanding physician income stability in Nova Scotia
Doctors Nova Scotia and the Department of Health and Wellness announced an income stability program for fee-for-service physicians in Nova Scotia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Join Alana Patterson, Drs. Gary Ernest and Ken Wilson to learn more. When: April 16 from 7–9 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. Starting Tuesday, April 14, meetings will be held daily (Monday–Friday) from noon to 1 p.m and are open to all physicians. Click here for the Zoom meeting link.
Special Zoom session: Wednesday, April 15 at 4–5 p.m. – Dr. Lara Hazelton on setting personal and professional priorities in the midst of a pandemic. Click here for the Zoom meeting link. Password is required: 050891
Webinar recordings
Watch the April 7 recording (Public health update and PPE education) and catch up on all the previous webinars on the DNS COVID-19 hub.
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
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