Coronavirus (Covid-19) Personal Infection Control
Our office is aware that the Coronavirus demands that we all take special precautions to reduce the risk of contagion at home and in public places. Progressive Dentistry is particularly qualified to keep our patients, their families, and our Team safe. We strictly follow guidelines from both the American Dental Association and the Center for Disease Control. Our patients can take comfort in knowing that we are concerned about your overall health and well-being as well as your oral needs.
Because the virus mutates and produces different harmful variants, the Pandemic is going to be with us for years until at least 90% of the earth’s population develops immunity through vaccination and booster shots. Current research indicates that immunity developed from having contracted and suffering through COVID is not as durable as vaccination.
As more is known about the virus and its variants, we will have to modify our lifestyles, just as we will adjust our office infection control protocols to keep you and your families safe.
– Steve Levy DMD
Smart Disinfection and Precautions
COVID-19 spreads from person to person contact. It is important not to come into contact with the respiratory droplets of others. The Coronavirus is a rather heavy virus which means it does not travel far in the air. The CDC has recommended that you remain at least 6 feet from others. However, studies have shown that the virus can travel up to 12 feet in still air!
If you are sick from Covid-19, wear a mask to protect others from your respiration.
CDC Guidelines
For the latest guidance and information on the coronavirus we suggest that you visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Do Not Touch Your Face
Do not touch your face, especially when you are in a public place! The Coronavirus is mainly a respiratory virus. It needs access to your body through your eyes, nose, or mouth. One study of 26 individuals found that, on average, they touched their faces 23 times per hour! 41% of the facial touches were of the eyes, nose or mouth.
Coughing & Sneezing
Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze or the inside of your elbow. Immediately, throw the tissue away and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Disinfect Publicly Touched Items
All publicly touched items may carry the virus, doorknobs, hand-rails, credit card machines, cash machines, gas pumps, shopping carts, and so forth. Bring disinfecting wipes with you when possible and use them. Anything you touch in your car afterward will also be contaminated. Wash your hands as soon as you return home! The virus has a lipid (fatty) outer layer that is destroyed by common hand soap. Scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds and rinsing thoroughly will inactivate any virus particles.
Keep Clothing Clean
The coronavirus can remain viable on clothing for hours to days so one needs to be particularly cautious if you are or think you’re contagious or have been in a public place where your clothing has touched potentially contaminated surfaces. Here’s a link that tells you how to care for your clothes during this crisis:
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-long-coronavirus-live-clothing-washing_l_5e724927c5b6eab779409e74
How Long is the Virus Viable?
The National Institutes of Health found that the coronavirus can last for up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to 3 days on metal or plastic.
Helpful Links:
Create a family action plan with an emergency contact list should anyone in your household get critically ill. This list should include family, friends, neighbors, alternate caregivers, doctors, and local hospitals.
Please click here to learn about our rigorous infection control protocols.
Choose Progressive Dentistry for Excellent Dental Care
Drs. Levy, Motwani and their team deliver exemplary care with courtesy, warmth, professionalism, and state-of-the-art knowledge and technology. Contact us today for all your general and cosmetic dentistry needs!