Inslee Announces Return Of Dental Care, Doctor's Offices

WASHINGTON — Monday Gov. Jay Inslee issued a proclamation allowing dentists and all medical services to reopen their offices, if they can meet a few new safety guidelines to avoid potentially spreading the coronavirus.

Under the proclamation, dentist and doctor's offices can reopen if they have enough personal protective equipment, or PPE, for their staff members. They'll also have to enforce safe social distancing and screen their patients and visitors for symptoms of the coronavirus before treatment.

Additionally, offices will need to have a plan in place to react if there are any further outbreaks of the coronavirus, either to close down their operations or to expand them to help handle the load of new patients. Hospitals in particular will need to be able to dramatically increase the number of beds, staff members and ventilators on short notice in the case of an outbreak. The governor says until the virus is defeated, these backup plans will remain crucial.

"Without a vaccine or widely available treatments we still live in the era of COVID-19," said Inslee.

The proclamation also included guidelines for the regular use of PPE and conservation strategies for when supplies are low.

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Inslee says the new guidance was created with input from doctors and health care experts, some of whom joined the governor in his conference announcing the proclamation.

“The great work of many health and dental organizations across the state have led us to resume non-urgent procedures today," said Sally Watkins, executive director of the Washington Nurses Association. "We support the restart of these procedures in a safe manner that recognizes the ongoing national shortage of Personal Protective Equipment, the need to maintain the safety of nurses and other health care workers and the prudent maintenance of surge capacity for a potential resurgence of COVID-19."

Any health care provider who can meet the new guidelines is allowed to begin reopening immediately, although they are encouraged to use telemedicine whenever they can.

"Do not be afraid to get treated over fears of COVID-19. You can ask your medical provider about telemedicine services. Your doctor or nurse may be able to help you over the phone or computer,” said Inslee."