Lanarkshire dental practice closes following positive corona virus diagnosis
A dental practice in Lanarkshire has closed following a positive coronavirus diagnosis.
The Stewart and Stewart Dental Practice in Cumbernauld has shut temporarily and the team is working with NHS Lanarkshire to contact those who may have come into contact with the affected individual. Patients have been informed and members of staff have also received advice from public health experts. The individual is currently being treated in hospital and is believed to be well.
Consultant in public health medicine at NHS Lanarkshire, Dr Femi Oshin, said that it was important to point out that members of staff and patients have a very small chance of contracting coronavirus and urged people not to worry. The public health team is liaising with the practice to support staff and offer advice to patients who have visited the practice recently. Anyone who is worried about the case is advised to keep up to date with updates from public health experts. At present, the advice is for people to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water and to call NHS 111 if they feel unwell. Symptoms of coronavirus, known as Covid-19, include wheezing, fever, coughing and shortness of breath. Most cases are mild, but there is a risk of complications, especially in older people and those with underlying health conditions.
Dr Gordon Stewart, practice owner, said that the safety of patients and staff was a priority. After the case was diagnosed, Dr Stewart decided to close the practice temporarily and is now working with the public health team at NHS Lanarkshire to ensure that all patients and staff are aware of the potential risks. Patients will be updated periodically, and the team apologised for any inconvenience caused to those who had appointments booked.
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