Infection control issues during patient assessment:

 

Drawing of person coughing into their hand.

Patients with an acute respiratory illness will be identified at check-in and placed in a single-patient room with the door kept closed.

Image of person covering their mouth.

Seek to prevent the transmission of respiratory infections in healthcare settings by adhering to ​respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette infection control measures​ at the first point of contact with any potentially infected person.

Drawing of a person wearing a surgical mask.

Offer a disposable surgical mask to persons who are coughing; and provide tissues and no-touch receptacles for used tissue disposal.

Drawing of a surgical mask.

Ill persons should wear a surgical mask when outside the patient room.

Drawing of a healthy tooth.

Dental healthcare personnel assessing a patient with influenza-like or other respiratory illness should wear disposable surgical facemask, non-sterile gloves, gown, and eye protection (e.g., goggles) to prevent exposure. Since recommendations may change as additional information becomes available it’s a good idea to check the ​CDC website for COVID-19 updates​.

Drawing of hands being washed with soap.

Patient and dental healthcare workers should perform hand hygiene (e.g., hand washing with non-antimicrobial soap and water, alcohol-based hand rub, or antiseptic handwash) after possible contact with respiratory secretions and contaminated objects/materials.

Drawing of a bottle of disinfectant spray.

Routine ​cleaning and disinfection strategies​ used during influenza seasons can be applied to the environmental management for COVID-19.