Read county-by-county confirmed case counts throughout the state of Georgia, updated daily by the Georgia Dept. of Public Health.
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Georgia Department of Public Health COVID-19 Daily Status Report
2020
On March 13, 2020, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expanded the list of EPA-registered disinfectant products that have qualified for use against SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 is the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. There are nearly 200 additional products added to the list. This includes 40 new products that went through the agency’s expedited review process.
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EPA Expands COVID-19 Disinfection List
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is an organization that strives to provide optimal oral health for all children. It is the leading national advocated dedicated exclusively to children's oral health. This organization has provided updated information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes information about new infection control guidance, small business administration loans for dental practices impacted, and COVID-19 disease information.
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American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry COVID-19 Update
The Georgia Oral Health Coalition wants you to be informed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges all providers to be familiar with information on the CDC's COVID-19 website. Valuable information is available about symptoms, how to prepare your family, older adults and medical conditions, and other resources for the community.
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CDC’s COVID-19
The American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) is the largest national organization representing registered dental hygienists across the country. ADHA has been involved with the CDC Division of Oral Health (DOH) advocating for clear guidance for dental practices. The dental hygiene community and the patients they serve are a top priority for the ADHA.
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American Dental Hygienists' Association COVID-19 Update
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is dedicated to the health of children and has been staying up to date with confirmed developments relating to COVID-19 and its spread across the world. This organization plans to continue to provide valuable information to its members. They provide information concerning personal protective equipment (PPE), practice management, wellness tips for physicians, information for families, etc.
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American Academy of Pediatrics: Critical COVID-19 Updates
The Georgia Oral Health Coalition advocates and supports The Georgia Department of Public Health and Executive Order 03.14.20.01, issued on March 14, 2020 by Governor Brian Kemp, declaring a Public Health State of Emergency for Georgia due to the impact of Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). This order requires people to isolate or quarantine themselves at home, in order to slow the spread of COVID-19, reduce the number of people who will become infected, and avoid unnecessary strain on Georgia’s healthcare system. The following people must isolate themselves from others: those who have received a positive lab-confirmed test for COVID-19, are suspected to have COVID-19 based on symptoms and a known exposure to a person with COVID-19, or have been in close contact with a person with known or suspected COVID-19.
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Georgia Department of Public Health: Administrative Order for Public Health Control Measures
The Georgia Oral Health Coalition supports The Georgia Department of Public Health, which serves as the state’s official COVID-19 response team, in their efforts to inform Georgia about the disease and rapid changes that are occurring in the state.
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Experiencing Symptoms?
What To Do If You Think You Are Sick
The Georgia Oral Health Coalition has provided two sources to track information state by state concerning the Coronavirus (COVID-19) response.
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National Network for Oral Health: Coronavirus State by State Recommendations for Dental Clinics
Association of Dental Support Organizations: COVID-19 State Dental Notices
Currently, it is important for healthcare facilities and healthcare workers to prioritize urgent and emergency visits. This is important now and for several weeks to come. The Georgia Oral Health Coalition has provided a link consisting of information for healthcare facilities.
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COVID-19 Resources for Clinics and Healthcare Facilities
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, dental providers and medical providers should work cohesively to determine appropriate solutions for treatment of patients. Clinical judgement is essential in determining urgency and need for patient treatment. The Georgia Oral Health Coalition has provided a link concerning infection prevention and control for patients with confirmed Coronavirus or those suspected of having the disease.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
2019
The Georgia Dental Hygienist Association will be hosting their 90th Annual Conference and Symposium on Friday, September 20, 2019 at the Wyndham Atlanta Galleria, and Dr. Adam Barefoot will be presenting briefly there on behalf of the GOHC on General Supervision and how GDHA and our dental offices may support this endeavor.
The Georgia Department of Public Health is partnering with Georgia State Hygiene Program at Perimeter College and Gas South to host an oral health screening, education, and school sealant event at a Smyrna, Ga elementary school.
The Georgia Department of Public Health is unrolling a media campaign geared towards oral health for pregnant mothers and young children. It will involve short radio spots, social media video clips with Dr. Adam Barefoot, and oral health resource gift bags for moms and their families.
After the GOHC quarterly meeting in May 2019, a subcommittee was formed to address how to optimize general supervision of dental hygienists in safety net settings. On June 18, 2019, this subcommittee convened at the Grady Oral Health Center to begin these discussions. As first steps, the subcommittee is updating information (i.e. location, operation hours, services provided) on safety net clinics in Georgia. For more information, or to contribute information, especially as it pertains to safety net clinics, please contact GOHC.