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Current situation
As of today, April 23, Nova Scotia has 827 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in people ranging in age from under 10 to over 90. Ten individuals are currently in hospital, four of those in ICU, and 385 individuals have recovered. There have been 23,731 negative test results. Testing numbers are updated daily at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus.
The province also reported four COVID-19 related deaths, bringing the total to 16. Three occurred at Northwood long-term care home in Halifax Regional Municipality, and one occurred at Harbourstone Enhanced Care in Sydney.
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
Nova Scotians encouraged to access the care they need
It’s important that Nova Scotians who are experiencing any health concerns contact their primary care provider to access care. “Many family doctors and nurse practitioners are offering appointments by phone, and some may be providing appointments using video,” said Kathy Bell, director of primary health care in Eastern Zone. “It’s important to call your family practice as you normally would, and not put off accessing the health advice and care you might need.” There are also seven primary assessment centres in eastern Nova Scotia, including one at Northside General Hospital, that are providing testing for symptoms related to COVID-19. “Through this centre, we are bringing together a team of health care providers to ensure patients in the Northside community have increased access to care and treatment for their respiratory illness,” said Dr. Stacy MacDonald, a physician working in the Northside clinic.Read more. A full list of the locations across the province is available here: www.nshealth.ca/coronavirus-assessment.
Spotlighting respiratory therapists
Watch this video to find out how respiratory therapists at NSHA are an integral member of the health care team, and learn how COVID-19 is impacting their work every day. If you’re a respiratory therapist feel free to share a photo of you and your team (with permission) on NSHA’s facebook page.
COVID-19 Hub Expanded: New and Updated Content this Week
In response to feedback about the COVID-19 Hub, the Hub team has added a new page: New and Updated Content this Week. All items that have been updated or added in the last seven days are listed by day. Please note: If you see a link more than once on this page, it means that it's been updated more than once this week. All links will still take you to the current version.
#WearRedFriday
The National Police Federation, working with the RCMP, are organizing events for a day of mourning in the wake of the tragic loss of Constable Heidi Stevenson and the many other innocent victims on April 19. Canadians from coast to coast are being asked to wear something red and share pictures, videos, and messages of support online using the hashtag #WearRedFriday on Friday, April 24. More details can be found on the National Police Federation’sFacebook page.
NSHA launches support for First Responders
NSHA is launching a new service called First Responders Assist. This service will offer short-term counselling and supportive services, including follow up if needed, for first responders and their families impacted by the tragedies of April 18 and 19. NSHA’s Mental Health and Addictions Program and Nova Scotia Operational Stress Injury Clinic (OSI) have collaborated to provide this joint response. OSI is a term used to describe any persistent psychological difficulty resulting from operational or service-related duties. Read more.
Ways to Grieve
In her latest video, Serena Lewis, grief and wellness coordinator with NSHA talks about the different ways people grieve. Remember, the provincial Mental Health Crisis Line is available 24/7 for you or someone you are concerned about by calling toll-free 1-888-429-8167.
REMINDER: Accessing NSHA facilities
To help limit the spread of respiratory illness, including COVID-19, NSHA facilities have designated entrances for staff and/or authorized personnel. As part of these limitations, identification (ID) badges are “swiped” to access our facilities. When entering our facilities, staff are reminded to not hold doors open for non-staff/unauthorized personnel, ensure that non-staff are coming in behind them and ensure that doors are closed securely.
Occupational Health/People Services
Return to Work Guidelines – FAQ for health care workers confirmed COVID-19 positive or contacts
A new frequently asked questions (FAQ) document around return to work guidelines for health care workers who are confirmed COVID-19 positive or are contacts, has been developed by Occupational Health Safety & Wellness and can be reviewed here.
New/Updated guidance documents and resources
- Patient Information Guide – Zoom for Healthcare - French (new – April 22, 2020)
- Tips for Patients – Virtual Appointment – French (new – April 22, 2020)
- Patient Admission Orders – Known or Suspected COVID-19 – ADULT(updated – April 22/3, 2020)
- Patient Admission Orders – Known or Suspected COVID-19 – PEDIATRIC (up to age 16 years) (updated – April 22/3, 2020)
- Primary Assessment Centres Contact/Location Information (updated – April 23, 2020)
- 2SLGTIQIA COVID-19 Resource Guide(updated – April 23, 2020)
- Clinical Pathway – Dartmouth General Hospital COVID-19 Risk Assessment Patient Flow (updated – April 23, 2020)
- Antimicrobial Stewardship Guide (Spectrum App) (new link – April 23, 2020)
- Clinical Pathway – COVID-19 Positive Maternity Patients (updated – April 23, 2020)
- Staff: COVID-19 Symptom Monitoring Instructions and Form – Mental Health and Addictions Inpatient Units (updated – April 23, 2020)
- COVID-19 Risk Assessment – All NSHA Patients (updated – April 23, 2020)
- COVID-19 Assessment Chart – East Coast Forensics Hospital and Offender Health (updated – April 23, 2020)
- IPAC Guidelines Long-term Care(updated – April 23, 2020)