12/03/2020
The World Health Organization has declared the worldwide outbreak of the new coronavirus a pandemic, with more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries and 4,291 deaths.
Since our top priority has always been the health and safety of our patients and staff, we request that any patients that have a travel history from any country or have been in close contact with any persons from overseas recently, to please self-monitor and only attend for dental appointments after they have been in Hong Kong and symptom-free for two weeks. For our patients who reside in Hong Kong, we hope these pointers will be useful for you.
1. Delay any non-essential travel if possible, as travelling can spread the disease and also increases your likelihood of being quarantined due to the rapid spread in other countries.
2. Avoid socializing or going to work while sick, even if you have only mild symptoms such as a runny nose or mild fever.
3. If you really need to travel by public transport to work (and you have an understanding boss) request for flexible work hours to avoid large crowds and peak travel times.
4.. Practice good hand hygiene frequently (soap and water for 20 seconds when possible, otherwise alcohol hand rub) and avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes. Use tissue paper to press lift buttons or opening/closing doors and dispose of it appropriately.
5. Cover your cough. The most effective way to prevent transmission of viruses when coughing or sneezing is to use a tissue. Cough or sneeze into your elbow/clothes if no tissue is available.
6. Although the WHO has recommended that masks should only be worn by healthcare workers around sick people or by people that feel unwell themselves, it is the social norm in Hong Kong to see everyone wearing masks. Therefore, always keep a mask handy in your pocket as some buildings and shops require you to wear one before you can enter their premises. Remember to practice good hand hygiene when placing on and disposing your mask.
7.If you have any medical related problems, please contact your healthcare provider or the Department of Health Hotline at 2125 1122 and inform them of your travel history. Be aware that it has been made a criminal offense to provide false or misleading information about your travel history to a healthcare professional.
yours in good Health- the PDOC team