Coronavirus Update - March 31

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) or via email.

What’s new?

Today, 20 new cases of COVID-19 were announced, bringing the total in Nova Scotia to 147.

Most cases are from travel or close contact, with people ranging in age from under 10 to more than 80
As concluded yesterday, one case is the result of community spread
To date, four staff and two residents of long-term care facilities have tested positive for COVID-19
Four individuals are in hospital and 10 have recovered
To date, Nova Scotia has had 5,763 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
The Federal government announced a $2 billion investment for personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supplies

Daily Zoom meetings: Coping with COVID-19
Join Drs. Jaqueline Kinley and John Chiasson, director of the DNS Professional Support Program, for daily online meetings (via Zoom) to chat about coping strategies and mental health concerns with COVID-19. Meetings are held daily at 1 p.m. Upcoming topics: Wednesday, April 1: Challenges facing family physicians. Thursday, April 2: Challenges in the ICU. Friday, April 3: Open discussion for all physicians. Click here for the Zoom meeting link.

CMA flash survey on personal protective equipment
Canadian Medical Association members should watch their inbox for a nine-question flash survey about personal protective equipment (PPE) supply for COVID-19.

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.

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 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 31 there are 7,695 confirmed and 13 presumptive cases and 89 deaths of COVID-19 in Canada. The virus continues to spread globally
Personal protective equipment and ventilators are on order through a national procurement program

Improved virtual care fees

All premium fees are also applicable. If the 03.03x code is more remunerative, 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 like a face-to-face visit (March 24 MSI Physicians’ Bulletin), as long as the resident and supervising physician are co-located. Residents cannot bill the new 03.03x. Find details in the March 27 MSI Physicians’ Bulletin.

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. The only exception is for physicians who cross the Nova Scotia land border on a regular and ongoing basis. 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.

Phishing scams on the rise

Request from the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia (PANS)

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