Orthodontic clinics have reopened in this COVID-19 pandemic environment.
It is highly important to not only identify if you are symptomatic, but also if you are infected and without symptoms at present.
Clinics are contacting patients in advance of appointments and again when they arrive with pre-appointment screening questions such as:
- Have you experienced a recent loss of smell or taste?
- Do you have any of the following symptoms: new cough or worsening cough? New shortness of breath or worsening shortness of breath? Difficulty breathing? Sore throat or painful swallowing? Flu-like symptoms? Runny nose?
- Have you been in contact with any confirmed COVID-19 positive patients, or persons self-isolating because of a determined risk for COVID-19?
- Do you have a fever or have felt hot or feverish anytime in the last 10 days?
- Have you returned from travel outside of Canada in the last 14 days?
- Is your workplace considered high risk? (e.g. routine close contact with many people)
- Have you returned from travel within Canada from a location known affected with COVID-19 in the last 14 days?
Wishing everyone the very best,
Richard Halpern Orthodontist