Dear Decatur Smiles Patients and Families,
This message is to inform our patient community about our plans to address the corona virus situation. First and foremost, we wish to keep everyone as safe as possible, this includes patients and team members. We will continue to perform very stringent sterilization and cleanliness protocols including but not limited to the use of proper personal equipment, handwashing, heat sterilization and EPA approved hospital grade disinfection. We will also utilize screening patients according to the CDC guidelines.
They suggested that practices screen patients for possible infection by asking the following questions:
Does the person have a fever OR respiratory symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath?
AND
Has the patient traveled to an affected geographic area within 14 days of symptom onset?
OR
Has the patient had close contact with a person with COVID-19?
We ask that if you answered YES to any of the above questions that you call Decatur Smiles at 256-350-5820 PRIOR to your appointment so that we may discuss how best to take care of you. All patients should monitor symptoms closely and get treatment as early as possible. Help prevent the spread!
Because this is a rapidly changing situation, local public health authorities have updated information regarding travel and other questions. Please contact your local Health Department or the CDC website for more updates.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
http://alabamapublichealth.gov/madison/
Sincerely,
Stephanie W. Teichmiller, DMD
