03/12/2020
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PATIENTS
Starting on Monday, March 9, and continuing until further notice, we are changing our office admission procedure because of the coronavirus disease outbreak. Your appointment may be affected. Please read all this information carefully.
If you currently feel sick, please reschedule your dental appointment and call your physician. This is especially true if you have a fever, cough, sneezing, or shortness of breath. The same thing applies if you have had any of these symptoms in the last 48 hours.
Please also reschedule your appointment if you have traveled outside the United States in the last two weeks to an area affected by the coronavirus disease. This includes China, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, or Vietnam.
To reschedule an appointment or if you have questions, please call our office at 215 663 1431.
If you require urgent care, please do not come in without first calling our office at 215 663 1431
What is coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing respiratory illness in people and others circulating among animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people. Previous coronavirus outbreaks have included Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). COVID-19 is the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.
Although we have a lot to learn about this virus, it appears to spread like other respiratory viruses — by people with the infection coughing and sneezing. These droplets are inhaled by other people or moved to the eyes, nose or mouth by contaminated hands.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms of COVID-19 are flu-like and include fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath. Most people develop only mild symptoms. But some people, usually those with other medical complications, may develop more severe symptoms, including pneumonia.
I have a scheduled appointment. What should I do?
If you currently feel sick, please reschedule your dental appointment and call your physician. This is especially true if you have a fever, cough, sneezing, or shortness of breath. The same thing applies if you have had any of these symptoms in the last 48 hours.
Please also reschedule your appointment if, in the past two weeks, you have either been in close contact with someone who is infected with COVID-19 or have returned to the United States from an area affected by the coronavirus disease. Right now this list includes China, Iran, Italy, Japan, and South Korea. However, the list of countries continues to change, so it’s a good idea to check this Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for updates on the affected countries.
To reschedule an appointment or if you have any questions, please call our office.
I have been calling the office and cannot reach anyone. What should I do?
If you have an appointment and feel sick, do not come in. Please wait until you hear back from us. We are trying to respond to our patients’ calls as quickly as possible, but under the current circumstances, our response may be delayed.
What do I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms?
If you do feel ill, don’t panic. Most people who get the novel coronavirus disease have only minor symptoms and do not need medical care. However, you should contact your doctor to inform them of your symptoms and get advice.
If you have a mild case, your doctor may advise you to treat your symptoms at home. Staying home also helps prevent you from exposing other people to the disease.
For those who have a more serious case, call before you head to the urgent care or emergency room. That will help the medical team to prepare for your arrival, so you can receive the fastest and best possible care. It will also help them to protect other people from your infection.
Should I be tested for COVID-19?
Testing is typically conducted by taking a swab at a health care provider’s office. Call ahead before visiting your health care provider.
According to, there are currently no restrictions on who can be tested for COVID-19, and commercial testing is becoming more available. Health care providers may test any patient in whom they suspect COVID-19. While testing is becoming more available, there are limitations in health care providers’ capacity to obtain samples and process lab results rapidly.
While there are no restrictions who can get tested, not everybody who feels ill needs to be tested, particularly if you have mild illness. If you are sick with fever, cough, or shortness of breath, and are in a high-risk group, call your health care provider to discuss whether you should be tested for COVID-19.
What should I do to keep myself and those close to me safe?
The most important steps to take are the same as for every cold and flu season: Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and hot water. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you cannot wash. Stay home if you are feeling ill. If you experience symptoms, call your doctor’s office. They will help you determine if you need to be seen and provide you with instructions for seeking medical care.
CDC is recommending that people at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public places with lots of people and large gatherings where there will be close contact with others. People at higher risk include:
• People age 60 and older
• People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes
• People who have weakened immune systems
• People who are pregnant
Where can I learn more about COVID-19?
For more information on COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website
