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Current situation
As of today, May 4, Nova Scotia has 985 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in people ranging in age from under 10 to over 90. Six individuals are currently in hospital, two of those in ICU, and 638 individuals have recovered. There have been 30,441 negative test results. Testing numbers are updated daily at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus.
The province is also reporting one additional death related to COVID-19 at Northwood long-term care home in Halifax Regional Municipality, bringing the total to 38.
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
Confirmed COVID-19 cases amongst NSHA health care
As of 1 p.m. on May 4, Occupational Health Safety and Wellness (OHSW) can report:
- Eastern Zone has six healthcare workers with confirmed COVID-19; five cases are considered recovered.
- Northern Zone has one healthcare worker with confirmed COVID-19. This case is considered recovered from their infection and has returned to work.
- Central Zone has 18 healthcare workers with confirmed COVID-19. Fourteen of these cases are considered recovered from their infection and have returned to work.
- Western Zone has one healthcare worker confirmed with COVID-19. This case remains active.
New Nova Scotia COVID-19 Health Research Coalition announces COVID-19 funding recipients
In this unprecedented time of local and global uncertainty, there has never been a greater need to conduct medical and health related research to collect real-time evidence to inform practice, policy and decision making in this new pandemic environment. The Nova Scotia research community has come together to respond to the COVID-19 global pandemic with a collective investment of just over $1.5 million in COVID-19 focused research. Read more. On May 4, the Coalition announced the funding of 40 recipients. View the list of funding recipients.
Practicing emergency preparedness in the time of COVID-19
May 3 to 10 is Emergency Preparedness Week in Canada. It’s a time to encourage Canadians to take action to be better prepared to protect themselves and their families during emergencies. This has been a year of unprecedented events within our communities, our province, our country and our world. To learn more about emergency preparedness, both for your work at NSHA and at home, please see this bulletin.
Occupational Health Safety Wellness/People Services
Health and dental premiums during COVID-19
We recognize that there have been many questions about benefit plans and concerns about paying premium costs for services that are not currently accessible due to COVID-19. We do not know how much longer this will continue and it is too early to make changes to the rates at this time as it may impact future premium rates. It is expected once restrictions are relaxed and health and dental service providers are open, plan members will catch-up on missed appointments and services. We will continue to monitor this closely with our benefit plan providers.
New/Updated guidance documents and resources
- Prone Positioning – from Acute Admission to Critical Care for the COVID-19 Patient (new – May 2, 2020)
- Memo – Screening Asymptomatic Patients Prior to Surgery/Procedure/Post Ambulatory Appointment (new – May 3, 2020)
- State of Emergency Poster – Arabic(new – May 4, 2020)
- State of Emergency Poster – Chinese(new – May 4, 2020)
- State of Emergency Poster – English(new – May 4, 2020)
- State of Emergency Poster – French(new – May 4, 2020)
- State of Emergency Poster – Mi’kmaw(new – May 4, 2020)
- Primary Assessment Centres Contact/Location Information (updated – May 4, 2020)
- Ordering/Labelling COVID-19 Swabs Meditech – Primary Assessment(updated – May 4, 2020)
- COVID-19 Community Virtual Team (CCVCT) – Eligibility and Referral Process – Health Care Provider Information (updated – May 4, 2020)
- COVID-19 Community Virtual Team (CCVCT) – Referral Form (updated – May 4, 2020)
- Pharmacy – NSHA COVID-19 Medication Supply Update (updated – May 4, 2020)
- Guidelines for Environmental Cleaning – COVID-19 Units/Wards(new – May 4, 2020)
- Environmental Services Checklist – Cleaning and Disinfection of COVID-19 Primary Assessment Centres (new – May 4, 2020)
- Guidance for Environmental Cleaning – COVID-19 Assessment Centres(new – May 4, 2020)