At Willard Street Family Dental, our greatest priority is always to provide the highest quality care to you, our patients, while maintaining a safe environment for all who enter our office.
As of this writing (March 9, 2020) there is one known case of the Coronavirus in Vermont; although there are Vermonters currently being tested and cases have been identified in New Hampshire and New York. As testing becomes widely available this week, the number of infected individuals in Vermont will likely track the rest of the nation.
The following action steps have been implemented at the office:
- 60% Alcohol wash available for you at check in and check out.
- 60% Alcohol wash and anti-bacterial soap for you in the office restroom.
- All treatment rooms are disinfected with hospital level disinfectants after every patient visit. This has always been a standard procedure.
- All instruments are steam heat sterilized in a multi-step process. This has always been a standard procedure
- We are increasing the number of Facial Tissues to be available in all rooms for anyone to use as necessary. We encourage using a tissue if needing to cough or sneeze.
- All trash cans have automatic no touch, foot pedal or direct drop in tops minimizing the need to touch any surfaces.
- We are following daily recommendations from the CDC and the Vermont Department of Health.
- We are reviewing with all staff to:
a) Avoid shaking hands
b) Refrain from hugs - we know this is hard
c) Try to avoid sneezing or coughing unless masked and to always use the elbow over mouth and nose technique.
What can you do to help too?
There are simple things you can do to help prevent the spread of the illness and protect yourself and others. We remind you that the best precautions to take regarding the threat of the Coronavirus are:
- Get a flu shot if you haven’t yet gotten one this season.
- Clean your hands frequently. Wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds after using the restroom, before eating, after blowing your nose or coughing or sneezing, and after being in public spaces.
- Try to limit touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clean your cell phones.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Contact your primary care provider for advice if you have symptoms such as: fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. It is best to call your provider first and describe your symptoms. They will be able to guide you regarding next steps.
Please give us a call at 802-862-8625 prior to your appointment and let us know - if you have traveled from China, Italy, South Korea, Japan, Iran or Washington state in the US, within the last 2 weeks or are experiencing symptoms of a flu virus.
The following site has good information regarding the virus.
https://www.healthvermont.gov/response/infectious-disease/2019-novel-coronavirus