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Current situation
As of today, April 21, Nova Scotia has 737 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in people ranging in age from under 10 to over 90. Eleven individuals are currently in hospital, three of those in ICU, and 286 individuals have recovered. There have been 22,190 negative test results. Testing numbers are updated daily at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus.
The province also reported a COVID-19 related death at Northwood long-term care home in Halifax Regional Municipality, bringing the total to 10.
While most cases are connected to travel or a known case, it is known that there is community spread. Read full news release. Cases have been identified in all parts of the province. A map and graphic presentation of the case data is now available at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/data.
Our response
UPDATED: Confirmed COVID-19 cases amongst NSHA health care workers
As of 10 p.m. yesterday (April 20, 2020) Occupational Health Safety and Wellness (OHSW) reported the following. Please note that numbers do not include long term care workers:
Eastern Zone has 6 health care workers with confirmed COVID-19
Northern Zone has 1 health care worker with confirmed COVID-19; this case is considered recovered
Central Zone has 14 health care workers with confirmed COVID-19; seven are considered recovered
Western Zone has 0 health care workers confirmed with COVID-19
Ambulatory bookings for diagnostic imaging
In accordance with NSHA policy, diagnostic imaging (DI) departments are currently providing imaging services ONLY for time sensitive examinations. This includes all cancer related imaging, and imaging that supports patients seen in hospital clinics. All other examinations will be booked when services return to normal. Referring physicians or delegates requesting such urgent imaging exams may do so by DIRECT VERBAL REQUEST to the DI departments. If the patient is not in stable medical condition, this request would usually come from the emergency department. All non-urgent requests cannot be accommodated at this time. This includes patient walk-ins and patient telephone requests. Read more.
You are not alone – reach out if you need to
A message from Serena Lewis, NSHA Bereavement, Grief and Wellness Coordinator and member of the West Colchester community reminds us to reach out if you need to - you are not alone. Watch video.
A story of redeployment: Going from Mental Health and Addictions to Supply Chain
For some of us, the thought of being redeployed to another workplace might be a little intimidating. But when the Autism Skills Workers from the Mental Health and Addictions Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention teams in Northern and Eastern Zones were asked to give a helping hand to the Stores Departments in their local area, they didn’t hesitate for a moment. From all reports they are doing a fabulous job and the Stores team is very, very grateful for the help given the pressure on them to meet the current needs for PPE and other critical items. A big shout out to Hailey Kirby, Amy Johnson, Amberly Condon, Raylene Durant, Sherrie Caven, Alannah Sharpe, Amanda Aitchison and Tonia Hylsop in Northern Zone and Debbie Feltmate, Kaleigh Bent, Dana McNamara, Sonia Touesnard, Tammy Ross-Kersten and Samantha Stone in Eastern Zone.
Each of us has an important role to play in the organization’s response to COVID-19 and because we are considered to be essential workers, we know many of you have already transitioned to another unit or facility just like the Autism team has. A number of our employees are working on the front lines at Northwood to support the residents and staff there. There may be other areas of need over the coming weeks and to all those who find themselves doing different work than normal, we send a huge THANK YOU for remaining flexible and adaptable as we work collectively to support and care for Nova Scotians. You are making a difference!
REMINDER: Healthcare Heroes site is now live
The Nova Scotia Healthcare Heroes site is now live with many offers loaded! Many businesses and service organizations across the province wanted to make special offers to healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Partners 4 Care have set up this site to organize the offers coming in. There are offers from across the province for you to view. Visit https://helpinghealthcareheroes.ca/ to view them.
Occupational Health/People Services
Care for caregivers
Included here is a list of offerings available to clinical and support staff, supporting our mental health during these uncertain times. Every role in our organization makes a difference in the health of all Nova Scotians. Thank you for all that you do, and please take some time to take care of you.
New/Updated guidance documents and resources
COVID-19 PPE Recommendations at Glance (new – April 19, 2020)
Aerosol Generating Medical Procedures in Healthcare Settings(updated – April 21, 2020)
COVID-19 IPAC Guidelines for Acute Care (new – April 21, 2020)
COVID-19 Buddy Checklist for Putting on and Removing PPE (updated – April 21, 2020)
Order Set – Care of Actively Dying Patient with Known or Suspected COVID-19 (new – April 21, 2020)
Primary Assessment Centres Contact/Location Information (updated – April 21, 2020)
2SLGTQIA COVID-19 Resource Guide(updated – April 21, 2020)
Critical Pathway – Suspected/Confirmed Intrapartum (Maternity)(updated – April 21, 2020)
Clinical Pathway – QEII COVID-19 Inpatient Flow (updated April 21, 2020)