Important information about the coronavirus (COVID-19)
The NHS in England and Public Health England (PHE) are well prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases. The NHS has put in place measures to protect patients, our community and NHS staff while ensuring as many services as possible are available to the public. If you have symptoms associated with coronavirus including a new continuous cough and a high temperature, you are advised to stay at home for 7 days.

Please do not book a Dentist appointment or attend your Dental  Practice. If you live with other people, they should stay at home for at least 14 days, to avoid spreading the infection outside the home. After 14 days, anyone you live with who does not have symptoms can return to their normal routine.
But, if anyone in your home gets symptoms, they should stay at home for 7 days from the day their symptoms start. Even if it means they’re at home for longer than 14 days. The most up-to-date public guidance is always online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus

If your symptoms are serious, or get worse, NHS 111 online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need further medical help and advise you what to do. Only call 111 direct if you are advised to do so by the online service or you cannot go online.

Like the common cold, coronavirus infection usually occurs through close contact with a person with novel coronavirus via cough and sneezes or hand contact. A person can also catch the virus by touching contaminated surfaces if they do not wash their hands.

If you have been told to self isolate (over 70 years old or increased risk of severe illness) we are recommending you do not attend your routine appointment.These groups are identified here. We are continuing to see patients in this group for dental emergencies.

Testing of suspected coronavirus cases is carried out in line with strict guidelines. This means that suspected cases are kept in isolation, away from public areas of GP surgeries, pharmacies and hospitals and returned home also in isolation. Any equipment that come into contact with suspected cases are thoroughly cleaned as appropriate. Specific guidance has also been shared with NHS staff to help safeguard them and others. Patients
can be reassured that their safety is a top priority, and are encouraged to attend all appointments as usual.

Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:• Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:

• You feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
• your condition gets worse
• your symptoms do not get better after 7 days
• Only call 111 if you cannot get help online

Further Information is available here

Attending the practice?

If you are attending the practice, please be aware that we have increased procedures significantly. Do not be alarmed by this. This is to keep everyone safe. Please use the hand sanitiser when you enter the building. Please forgive us if we ask you to stand away from reception, and don’t shake your hand! You’ll notice that we have removed some non-essential items from the waiting area like magazines and books. These will return once all this is over!

Self-Isolating?

If you are self isolating and are unfortunate enough to develop toothache during this time, you may find information on our website helpful. Alternatively, we are here to help and happy to discuss your options. Stay at home and contact us on 0208 4221857 or email info@eastcotelanedental.co.uk. We will do everything we can to help.

We will endeavour to keep you informed through this period, and we thank you for your support in keeping everyone safe.