Guidance from the Welsh Government on Self-isolation

The Welsh government will move the country into ‘alert level zero’ from Saturday 7 August.

What does this mean for Welsh dental practices?

Things will not be changing much!

As dental practices are classed as healthcare settings, face coverings for patients are still mandatory and 2-metre social distancing will still be encouraged.

Waiting rooms can be used, but it is important that patients continue to feel safe. Patients should still be asked to attend on time to avoid over-crowding.

Patient risk assessments should continue to be completed.

All team members must continue to wear the correct PPE as set out in the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

If you are notified to self-isolate

NHS Wales Test Trace Protect (TTP) will use the Welsh Immunisation Service to identify adults who are fully vaccinated who will no longer be required to self-isolate if they are identified as close contacts of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. The TTP service will provide a ‘warn and inform’ service for all fully vaccinated adults and under-18s.

Extra safeguards for dental practice team members

In common with all other health and social care staff, all dental practice team members require extra safeguards to protect fellow team members and patients. These are:

• A documented risk assessment must be undertaken for all team members contacted by TTP.
• They should have a PCR test immediately and this must be negative before returning to work.
• They should then have another PCR test on day 8 after notification.
• They should perform a lateral flow test every day before coming to work for 7 days and the results should be recorded on the risk assessment.
• They must observe strict social distancing and wear a mask (FRSM) at all times.
• Correct PPE must be worn in line with the SOP.
• Breaks including lunch, should be taken alone.
• Team members who have been contacted by TTP should not treat clinically vulnerable patients.
• Measures must be put in place to ensure team members who are clinically vulnerable are not put at risk.

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms MUST immediately self-isolate and undergo a PCR test. They must continue to self-isolate until they receive their results and if the result is negative, they may stop isolating.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via email at the button below.