Summer Newsletter with updated office Protocols

Happy Summer!

What a fabulous summer it has been compared to last year. Not only have we had beautiful weather, but we are experiencing life outside of isolation again.

With the lifting of Covid 19 mandates by Governor Inslee in the State of Washington on June 30th of this year, life is getting busy.

More people are beginning to frequent public services and travel destinations. This has raised question about specifics of Washington States’ “fully open” status and transmissibility of Covid 19 when vaccinated and not vaccinated.

I have reviewed information from the CDC and the State of Washington’s Department of Health and Labor and Industries to help answer some questions. Related to this, I want to give guidance on how the states policies affect your experience at Opalesque Dentistry.

 

Are masks required whether vaccinated or not vaccinated?

Mask wearing is still required in health care settings, public transportation and child care facilities whether you are vaccinated or not. Note that businesses and local governments can set more protective mask requirements.

 

At Opalesque Dentistry:

We kindly ask you wear a mask when you enter and leave the office.

 

Is social distancing required whether vaccinated or not vaccinated?

If unvaccinated or if at high risk of severe Covid 19 illness, “unvaccinated people should all wear masks and stay 6 feet apart.”

Cross infection between vaccinated and unvaccinated people without social distancing or masks is low risk for those that are vaccinated.

The State of Washington still mandates that unvaccinated individuals wear a mask when in close proximity to others.

 

At Opalesque Dentistry:

Whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, our reception room is now available. We ask that masks are used while in the office entering, leaving or in the reception area (per Washington state DOH guidelines).

Of course, if you prefer to wait in your vehicle or are at high risk of severe Covid 19 illness and choose to wait in your vehicle, we will continue to contact you by mobile phone when your room is ready for you.

 

Does vaccination prevent Covid 19 infection and cross infection?

A recent CDC study reports that “two mRNA vaccines can reduce risk of all SARS-CoV-2 infections, not just symptomatic infections.”

This conclusion supports the effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing “both asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic infections” amongst others.

 

At Opalesque Dentistry:

We support your personal decision. We believe wearing a mask (as part of universal infection control standards) has helped prevent the spread of contagious diseases. With this said, whether you choose to vaccinate or not, we ask that you kindly wear a mask in our office at all times, except during treatment. Rest assured, we adhere to stringent guidelines for infection control.

 

Whether vaccinated or not, when is a Covid 19 test recommended?

If symptoms of Covid 19 infection are present in those vaccinated or not, a Covid 19 test is recommended. The same guideline is recommended for those exposed to Covid 19 positive individuals.

 

At Opalesque Dentistry:

If you have any symptoms of Covid 19 illness, we ask that you notify us at least 24 hours prior to your appointment and we will reschedule you for another date.

 

I hope this newsletter answers some questions and provides information about our office protocols. For more information about Covid 19 policies in Washington State visit COVIDVaccineWA.org.

Wishing all of you a cheerful and healthy summer!

Dr. Wada and Opalesque team

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