The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued new guidance for healthcare providers to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Steps dental employers can take to reduce risk of exposure:
1. Create an infectious disease preparedness and response plan.
2. Promote frequent and thorough hand-washing and encourage employees to stay home if they are sick.
3. Develop and implement policies for prompt identification and isolation of sick people.
4. Create and communicate workplace flexibilities and protections.
5. Establish controls such as physical barriers to control the spread of the virus; social distancing; and appropriate personal protective equipment, hygiene and cleaning supplies.
6. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are unavailable.