Earlier today, CDPHE released the sixth amended Public Health Order that impacts dental procedures and treatment.
Read the latest PHO 20-29.
Please review the PHO in its entirety and note the following highlights:
- The CDA provided feedback to the health department last week regarding its PPE guidelines for aerosol generating procedures – specifically around masks and respirators. We are pleased to see the following changes and allowances in this version of the PHO.
- “During aerosol-generating procedures conducted on patients assumed to be non-contagious, the workforce should use eye protection (e.g., goggles or face shield), in addition to an N95 respirator or a respirator that offers an equivalent or higher level of protection such as other disposable filtering facepiece respirators, PAPRs, or elastomeric respirators, if available.”
- In addition to eye protection (e.g., goggles or face shield) and a NIOSH-certified N95 respirator or a respirator that offers an equivalent or higher level of protection, clean non-sterile gloves and a gown or other protective clothing. Alternatively, a full-face shield and an FDA-approved KN95 or a surgical mask may be used as an acceptable alternative if a respirator is not available.
- A slight change in temperature was also made as it refers to patient screening for COVID-19.
- “Necessary screening includes, at a minimum, asking for recent history of fever (≥100.4°F) or chills, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fatigue, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, muscle or body aches (myalgia), nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.”
This version of PHO 20-29 will expire 30 days from Sept. 19, 2020 unless extended, rescinded, superseded or amended in writing.