What’s new?

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

• Nova Scotia Health COVID-19 service reintroduction update
• New federal modelling indicates there will be up to 155,795 total cases and 9,300 deaths by Oct. 2 unless Canadians remain vigilant by avoiding risks and taking precautions throughout fall and winter

Influenza vaccine guidance from Dr. Rob Strang
Flu vaccine is recommended and publicly funded for all Nova Scotians six months of age and older. High risk groups, such as seniors, long-term care residents, pregnant women, children aged six to 59 months and those with chronic illness are encouraged to take the vaccine. This year, people at high risk of COVID-19 related illness are strongly encouraged to be immunized. Read the memo and the provider information.

Online booking now available for five more blood collection sites
Patients can now book appointments online for blood collection at the following locations: Aberdeen, Bayers Road, Eastern Kings Memorial Community Health Centre, Spryfield and St. Margaret’s Bay. Learn more

Reminders

Physicians’ use of social media during the time of COVID-19
COVID-19 has impacted physicians’ use of social media, specifically how they cross boundaries virtually. This study will explore how COVID-19-initiated changes are impacting physicians’ practices and their use of social media tools and platforms. Take the survey

First wave: Atlantic Canada’s chief medical officers discuss lessons from COVID-19
This session is an opportunity for physicians to understand and take stock of what worked, and to explore what can change to prepare for the second wave of COVID-19. When: Oct. 1, 2020 at 7 p.m. ADT. Learn more and join the live stream here.

New T4 codes for 2020 tax year
The Canada Revenue Agency has new reporting requirements for all employers to help validate payments under the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit and the Canada Emergency Student Benefit. For the 2020 tax year, all employers must follow the new reporting requirements for the T4 slip. Learn more

Webinars

Seasonal flu and COVID-19
Understand the complexities of seasonal flu during the pandemic and receive an overview of flu vaccine supply and distribution. Join Dr. Shelly McNeil, division of infectious diseases, Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics and Stacey Dunphy, Nova Scotia Health provincial immunization coordinator. When: Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 7 – 9 p.m. Register today

Family medicine in the new normal
Reopening a family practice safely can be daunting. In this session, infectious disease experts Drs. Lynn Johnston and Jeannette Comeau will discuss what is known about COVID-19 in both adults and children, how COVID-19 is the new normal and considerations for safe care of patients in person. When: Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 7 – 9 p.m. Register today

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

ICYMI

Medical appointments for rotational workers
Last week a modified 14-day self isolation for rotational workers came into effect. A rotational worker is someone who has a set schedule where they alternate between living in Nova Scotia and working outside the province, such as an Alberta oil worker. Section 2.4 on Medical Appointments states:

• Rotational workers may attend urgent and routine medical appointments when in-person treatment is required
• Rotational workers must wear a mask and coordinate with their care provider to determine additional precautions. If rotational workers are feeling unwell, they must contact 811 prior to booking an appointment

CMA Physician Wellness Hub
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has launched the CMA Physician Wellness Hub, a searchable collection of nearly 300 resources, tools and studies on topics such as physician burnout, depression, peer support and organizational wellness. It’s also a place for physicians, residents and medical students to connect with colleagues interested in wellness.

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

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 

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 Oct. 31. 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.

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

DNS staff, meetings and events
All DNS meetings and events 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.

• Navigating work exemption requests during COVID-19
• Nova Scotia Health’s Addictions Medicine Consult Service FAQ or information card. 
• 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