Requested actions
- Be aware of the plan to safely resume non-urgent medical and dental procedures in Washington.
- Refer to CDC’s framework for non-COVID-19 care for additional guidance when making decisions about resuming in-person medical services.
- Test all patients with new onset of COVID-19 symptoms regardless of their age or health status.
Background
On May 18, Governor Inslee announced a plan to resume elective medical and dental procedures in Washington. Facilities should determine their level of readiness and maintain certain standards. CDC issued additional guidance on resuming non-urgent medical services.
Required to resume care
- Have appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers and patients.
- Be prepared to surge hospital beds, staff and ventilators if there is a COVID-19 outbreak.
- Implement social distancing and strong hygiene measures in offices and hospitals.
- Screen patients and visitors for COVID-19 symptoms.
- Use clinical judgement to determine necessary services; use telemedicine when appropriate.
- Implement policies to protect workers and seek their feedback.
Considerations for in-person services
- Prioritize services that, if deferred, are most likely to result in patient harm.
- Prioritize at-risk populations who would benefit most from those services. For example, those with serious underlying health conditions, most at risk for complications from delayed care or without access to telemedicine.
Patient communication
Share these materials with patients.
- What to do if you have COVID-19.
- What to do if you may have been exposed to COVID-19.
- What to do if you have symptoms of COVID-19 and haven’t been exposed or tested.