We keep learning about the variables that are accountable for the spread of the COVID-19 disease. In order to work safely in the so called ‘contact professions’ we need to create safety protocols which enable practitioners to control the risk factors and thus minimize the likelihood of spreading the virus via our clinics.
Each of the tables below contains a risk factor on the ‘right side’ and on the ‘left side’ the precautions to take in order to control for this particular risk.
Variables that influence risk of spread:
1. The amount of people that group together
2. The distance between (groups) of people(1,5m is often used as a safe distance)
3. Severity of the infected person.
4. Non symptomatic infected clients
5. Contact time
6. Hygiene!!
7. Ventilation of rooms
8. (not yet included because uncertain): humidity .
*PPE: face masks, gloves, gowns are more recommended when the chance of seeing non symptomatic infected COVID-19 patients increases. E.g. in regions where no infections are reported, the likelihood that one of your clients is infected becomes marginally.
**Be aware of the fact that practitioners (when they carry the virus) are the biggest risk for spreading in clinics. This is due to the fact that they themselves are for a longer period in the clinic and thus are able( in theory) to spread by every breath. Advice is to wear FFP masks.
References:
Peng X et al, Transmission routes of 2019-nCoV and controls in dental practice. Int J Oral Sci. 2020; 12: 9
Rothan HA, Byrareddy SN, The epidemiology and pathogenesis of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. J Autoimmun. 2020 May;109
