Coronavirus update - June 9, 2020

coronavirus labelled test tube

Coronavirus update - June 9, 2020

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

Feeling overwhelmed or need to talk to someone?
Contact the Doctors Nova Scotia (DNS) Professional Support Program at 902-468-8215 or 1-855-275-8215 (toll-free), via email or join the weekly Zoom meeting – see details below under webinars.

What’s new?

  • Today, one new case of COVID-19 was announced, bringing the total cases in Nova Scotia to 1,060.
  • Nationally, there are 96,244 total cases, 7,835 deaths and 1,930,141 Canadians tested for COVID-19.
    • Modelling estimates 97,990-107,454 total COVID-19 cases and 7,700-9,400 deaths by June 15
    • Canada’s effective reproductive value (Rt) is trending close to one. Rt < 1 is required for more than three weeks to ensure public health measures are controlling the epidemic

COVID-19 isn’t the only virus in our health-care system; confronting racism in health care
Doctors Nova Scotia stands in solidarity with those fighting racism, violence and injustice toward people of African descent. We stand against the racism targeted at Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) in Canada.

Our purpose is to help physicians thrive and have a positive impact on their patients’ lives, at an individual and system level. To serve that purpose we must consider our role in contributing to and addressing systemic racism in health care. Read our full statement here.

First income stability disbursement included two payments - clarification
Members who joined the income stability program should have received their first payment on Wednesday, June 3. The payment was for both May 20 and June 3.

If you billed fee-for-service and received payment during the month of May, a reconciliation process will take place. If you billed more than you were paid over the term of the program, you will receive a top-up. For those who bill less there will be no further adjustments. While you are on the income stability program, you must continue to shadow bill for the services you provide using the new Business Administration number provided to you by MSI when you joined the program.

Questions? Email Jessica Moore or call 902-481-4922.

Physiotherapy services -  protecting the health of Nova Scotians
The Nova Scotia Physiotherapy Association advises that clinics that clinics that clinics are re-opening across Nova Scotia and that steps are in place to keep people safe. Learn more about the re-opening guidelines and find a clinic.

Reminder: Help inform Nova Scotia’s virtual care strategy
The province’s health authorities are seeking physician input to develop a virtual care strategy for the province. Click here to sign up for a 30-to 60-minute chat about virtual care. Topics will include:

  • Virtual visits
  • Secure messaging
  • Virtual patient education
  • Case conferencing
  • E-results
  • Online assessment
  • Remote clinical devices
  • Home monitoring devices
  • Patient portals
  • E-consults and e-referrals

Click here to learn more about these virtual care platforms.

Webinars

Obesity in the era of COVID-19
“An increasing body of evidence has linked obesity to more severe COVID-19 complications and mortality. Obesity is now considered an important risk factor for developing severe COVID-19 symptoms. We should be treating patients living with obesity effectively, aggressively and earlier.” – Dr. Laura Reardon

Dr. Laura Reardon will explore the link between obesity and severe COVID-19 complications. Participants will learn why obesity increases the severity of COVID-19 and discuss considerations and treatment plans for people living with obesity during the pandemic and beyond. When: June 16, 2020 from 7-9 p.m. REGISTER HERE

Physician support session on Wednesdays
A weekly Zoom session on coping with COVID-19 is held on Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. and is open to all physicians. Click here for the Zoom meeting link  Password is 975004                                          

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

Reminders

IWK outpatient blood collection lab appointment process
The IWK outpatient collection lab has moved to a booked appointment service to manage patient flow to support physical distance and adhere to appropriate infection prevention and control guidelines. Space is limited. Physicians are asked to provide the following information to patients:

  • Patients must bring the blood requisition form from their doctor to the appointment
  • Patients/guardians must have their health card number and expiry date available when calling to book an appointment

Learn more

Joule COVID-19 innovation grants
Joule and the Canadian Medical Association have launched a second grant program providing up to $1 million for physician-led, health care innovations relating to COVID-19. Apply online June 4-21. Learn more

Food box program
For patients in need, Feed Nova Scotia’s COVID-19 food box program can help. Individuals can call 211 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. and 211 will help determine if this program is a good fit.

Medical students provide companionship to isolated patients
The Rural and Isolated Support Endeavor (RISE) was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in collaboration with the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada. The program matches patients with medical students from across Canada who provide weekly phone calls to provide emotional support and companionship. Physicians can refer patients by email or by completing the physician referral form.

Psychological distress among physicians: longitudinal survey
A research study seeks to understand how COVID-19 is affecting physicians. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and was approved by the NSHA’s research ethics board. Contact Dr. Jonathan Bailey for more information.

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

Information hubs to watch