High Risk Of COVID-19 Transmission Research Articles

Evaluation of Knowledge, Awareness, Preparedness, and Measures among Dental Technicians Attending COVID-19 in Jordan

Introduction:During the pandemic of COVID-19, Jordan imposed strict measures and abandoned selected medical procedures. Due to the high risk of cross-infection among dental team members, dental clinics and laboratories were subjected to definite regulations before being allowed back to work.Aims:This survey aims to assess the knowledge, awareness and preparedness of dental technicians in Jordan regarding COVID-19. Also, to investigate prevention measures for dental technicians working during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods:A cross-sectional self-administered online survey was distributed electronically as a Google formviasocial media platforms. The study population consisted of registered dental technicians working in public and private laboratories in Jordan. The questionnaire consisted of a series of questions; demographic characteristics; knowledge and awareness about COVID-19, and the preparedness and measures to practice dental laboratory procedures during the pandemic.Results:This study included a total of 90 dental technicians (31 females and 59 males); their ages ranged from 22-60 years old. Almost all the participants (90%) were found knowledgeable about COVID-19. Governmental organizations, and visual and social media were the main sources of information. The majority of participants (>85%) encouraged drifting to digital dental technology protocols during COVID-19 pandemic. More than 65% of the participants reported COVID-19 very dangerous and considered themselves in a high risk of COVID-19 transmission.Conclusion:Most dental technicians have sufficient knowledge about COVID-19. However, most of them are not prepared to deal with impressions, restorations, and dentures of infected/suspected cases. Educational and training programs regarding COVID-19 among dental technicians are significantly needed.

Evaluation of Knowledge, Awareness, Preparedness, and Measures among Dental Technicians Attending Covid-19 in Jordan

Introduction: During the pandemic of COVID-19, Jordan imposed strict measures and abandoned selected medical procedures. Due to the high risk of cross-infection among dental team members, dental clinics and laboratories were subjected to definite regulations before being allowed back to work. Aims: This survey aims to assess the knowledge, awareness and preparedness of dental technicians in Jordan regarding COVID-19. Also, to investigate prevention measures for dental technicians working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional self-administered online survey was distributed electronically as a Google form via social media platforms. The study population consisted of registered dental technicians working in public and private laboratories in Jordan. The questionnaire consisted of a series of questions; demographic characteristics; knowledge and awareness about COVID-19, and the preparedness and measures to practice dental laboratory procedures during the pandemic. Results: This study included a total of 90 dental technicians [ 31 females and 59 males]; their ages ranged from 22-60 years old. Almost all the participants [ 90%] were found knowledgeable about COVID-19. Governmental organizations, and visual and social media were the main sources of information. The majority of participants [ >85%] encouraged drifting to digital dental technology protocols during COVID-19 pandemic. More than 65% of the participants reported COVID-19 very dangerous and considered themselves in a high risk of COVID-19 transmission. Conclusion: Most dental technicians have sufficient knowledge about COVID-19. However, most of them are not prepared to deal with impressions, restorations, and dentures of infected/suspected cases. Educational and training programs regarding COVID-19 among dental technicians are significantly needed.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STUDENTS PERCEPTION WITH COVID-19 PREVENTION BEHAVIORS ON EDI MANCORO BOARDING SCHOOL OF SEMARANG

Islamic Boarding School has a high risk of COVID-19 transmission. The COVID-19 transmission occurs due to the lack of students’ effort of COVID-19 prevention and does not disipline in following health protocols on islamic boarding school. This study analyzes the relationship between students’ perception with COVID-19 prevention behaviors on Edi Mancoro Boarding School of Semarang.This study used observational descriptive with cross-sectional study. The population of this study was 310 students and 75 students became participants and were determined based on purposive sampling method. Data was collected by fitting out questionnaires and was analyzed using Chi-square test. The analysis showed that 58,7% of respondents had well-implemented preventive behaviors of COVID-19. The mean gender was woman (60%), age of participants was more than equal to 20 years (66,7%). For most of them, the length of stay in an islamic boarding school was more than equal to 2 years (68%). Students had good knowledge (69,3%), had positively perceived susceptibility (58,7%), had positively perceived severity (50,7%), had positively benefits (77,3%) had positively perceived barrier (65,3%), had positive self-efficacy (93,3%) and had positive cues to action (64%). The result relationship test showed that gender (p=0,002), knowledge (p=0,022), perceived susceptibility (p=0,014), perceived severity (p=0,002) and perceived barriers (p=0,002) were releted with preventive behaviors of COVID-19. Unrelated factors are age, alllowance, the length of stay in islamic boarding school, perceived benefits, cues to action and self-efficacy with COVID-19 prevention behavior on Edi Mancoro boarding school of Semarang. Keyword : Islamic Boarding School, COVID-19 Prevention Behavior

The Effectiveness Of The Implementation Of The 2020 Simultaneous Elections In The Time Of The Covid-19 Emergency Pandemic In Kab.Wonosobo

The effectiveness of the 2020 Simultaneous Local Elections in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic has both positive and negative impacts. The positive impacts include the implementation of the mandate of the applicable regulations, the fulfillment of the constitutional rights of the Pilkada participants and the community, reducing the practice of local government leadership which is led by too many temporary officials, and preventing budget swelling. While the negative impacts include the higher risk of COVID-19 transmission, the potential for fraudulent practices that are increasingly vulnerable, the refusal of the Regional Head Elections has the potential to increase the number of abstentions. Efforts so that the 2020 simultaneous regional elections can be carried out properly include increasing the supervision of health protocols, maintaining integrity in the implementation of regional elections, there must be a commitment for both Pilkada participants and implementers, community discipline, there are 55 countries postponing national or local elections and national referendums. However, there are 21 countries that have not postponed elections, 9 of which have been held in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. South Korea became one of the countries that successfully held elections on April 15, 2020 (International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, 2020). In Indonesia, the scheduling of the simultaneous regional elections to be held in December 2020 is considered unrealistic. Due to the fact, until December 2020, the number of positive cases of COVID-19 continued to increase nationally. Many people are worried that if the local elections are held in December 2020, it will become a new cluster for the spread of COVID-19. there are 21 countries that have not postponed elections, 9 of which have been held in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. South Korea became one of the countries that successfully held elections on April 15, 2020 (International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, 2020). In Indonesia, the scheduling of the simultaneous regional elections to be held in December 2020 is considered unrealistic. Due to the fact, until December 2020, the number of positive cases of COVID-19 continued to increase nationally. Many people are worried that if the regional elections are held in December 2020, it will become a new cluster for the spread of COVID-19. there are 21 countries that have not postponed elections, 9 of which have been held in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. South Korea became one of the countries that successfully held elections on April 15, 2020 (International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, 2020). In Indonesia, the scheduling of the simultaneous regional elections to be held in December 2020 is considered unrealistic. Due to the fact, until December 2020, the number of positive cases of COVID-19 continued to increase nationally. Many people are worried that if the regional elections are held in December 2020, it will become a new cluster for the spread of COVID-19.

Sistem Informasi Publik tentang Protokol Kesehatan Adaptasi Kebiasaan Baru di Universitas Brawijaya

University is one of the public spaces that have a high risk of COVID-19 transmission. These risks can be reduced with good information management, in which information management can be seen in the current information system. Brawijaya University has managed information about COVID-19 response, but the transmission risk is still high. The aim of this is to depicting the public information system on health protocols at Brawijaya University. The research use descriptive qualitative research method with spiral data analysis technique. The results showed that the existing information system consists of acquisition, production, storage, distribution and use of information. The findings showed that the existing public information system has not been able to provide a sense of urgency for the application of health protocols and the distribution channels used are not compatible with the distribution objectives.

Psychological and coping strategies of the red zone community: a cross-sectional study of COVID-19 pandemic in rural area in Indonesia

Introduction: People who live in red zone communities are at high risk of COVID-19 transmission. This condition can elicit various societal reactions, both physically and psychologically. This psychological response will urge them to search for alternative solutions. The fundamental purpose of this study was to determine the psychological state and coping mechanism, especially for people living in the rural red zone. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 12.423 persons living in a rural area of East Java province. According to Krejcie and Morgan's table, the sample size was 372 participants. The questionnaires were circulated through social media applications and a Google form. Two experts examined the validity of the content. In early June 2021, data collection began. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: The population suffers from three categories of ailments, the most common of which are anxiety and stress. The community employs both emotion-focused and problem-focused coping mechanisms. Seeking emotional and instrumental social support, turning to religion, acceptance, mental and behavioral divergence, active coping activities, focusing and releasing emotions, denial, and bodily symptoms are examples of coping mechanisms. The findings also show a significant relationship between several demographic variables, precisely age and coping strategies. People who live in the rural red zone have varied psychological reactions, such as anxiety and stress. The community's coping mechanisms tend to revolve around releasing emotions and denial. Conclusions: The increasing prevalence of COVID-19 contributes to the onset of psychological health problems in some people living in the red zone. When psychological health difficulties occur, they urge an individual to develop coping mechanisms for coping with the current condition.

The DKI Jakarta Regional Government Policy to Handling Covid-19 in Basic Services in Health Sector

This study focuses on the policies of the DKI Jakarta Regional Government in handling Covid-19 in the primary health service sector in 2020. The main focus of this research examines the approach that has been taken by the Regional Government in dealing with Covid-19 problems, especially in health service units which are essential services (primary) society needs. Especially DKI Jakarta is the only city in Indonesia with a provincial-level status. This study uses a qualitative method. The form of the DKI Jakarta government's policy efforts in primary health services during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 with various tracing efforts by capturing asymptomatic cases in locations at high risk of Covid-19 transmission and treatment (treatment) with measures and solutions to improve; a. Health service capacity; b. Promotive and preventive efforts. Reporting from various references found by researchers, there are two different sides, namely the success and weakness in implementing the policy. The researchers found that promotive and preventive efforts in health service capacity programs were quite reasonable and practical from success. However, on the side of weakness, there are obstacles that the implementation process does not run optimally according to one source. It reflects on the policy perspective. It is expected that DKI Jakarta and other regions to draw valuable lessons for policy administrators.

Analysis of Self-Medication Patterns in South Surabaya Community in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Indonesia implemented a large-scale social restriction policy throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitals and alternative health care facilities are places with a high risk of COVID-19 transmission. The general public is suggested to limit visits to health facilities unless it is an emergency. Supported this, we hypothesize that people prefer to self-medicate to take care of relatively mild health complaints at home. This study aims to analyze the pattern of self-medication within the community in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 110 residents of South Surabaya with a structured questionnaire during the COVID-19 outbreak in December 2021, to observe patterns and factors that influence people's decisions to take self-medication before and during the COVID-19 pandemic era. Results: As several as 40% of respondents had self-medication before the COVID-19 pandemic, while the prevalence of self-medication within the thick of the COVID-19 outbreak was 57.3%. The most reasons for self-medication are the concern of reaching the hospital will be being exposed to COVID-19 (67.3%), the sickness is not severe enough, compatible with the previous medication, and more efficient. The community's advantages of self-medication are that it is faster to treat (41%) and cheaper (21.8%). Conclusions: The study revealed that there was an increase in the number of respondents who did self-medication during the COVID-19 pandemic with the main reason being fear of going to the public health center or hospital.

Transport preferences and dilemmas in the post-lockdown (COVID-19) period: Findings from a qualitative study of young commuters in Dhaka, Bangladesh

At the start of the pandemic in early 2020, many cities went to complete or partial lockdown to minimize the mass transmission of COVID-19. Consequently, personal travel patterns have changed throughout the world. This study explores the transport mode preferences and associated dilemmas that commuters face in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in the post-lockdown period. We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews of 20 young commuters residing in Dhaka. We followed a deductive reasoning approach, and the transcriptions were analyzed following thematic analysis. Findings suggest that despite the perceived high risk of COVID-19 transmission in certain modes, all commuters don’t have the ease and flexibility to switch to their preferred safer mode, with commuters trading-off between health risk, affordability and availability of suitable modes, along with other challenges. However, the country’s sustainable goals can still be achieved if proper actions, such as removing the challenges commuters face while switching to a sustainable and safe mode during COVID-19 are taken.

Predictors of COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence: Findings from Slums of Four Major Metro Cities of India.

There are limited studies on COVID vaccine confidence at the household level in urban slums, which are at high risk of COVID-19 transmission due to overcrowding and poor living conditions. The objective was to understand the reasons influencing COVID-19 vaccine confidence, in terms of barriers and enablers faced by communities in urban slums and informal settlements in four major metro cities in India. A mixed method approach was adopted, where in field studies were conducted during April–May 2021. First, a survey of at least 50 subjects was conducted among residents of informal urban settlements who had not taken any dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Delhi; second, a short interview with five subjects who had taken at least one dose of the vaccine in each of the four cities to understand the factors that contributed to positive behaviour and, finally, an in-depth interview of at least 3 key informants in each city to ascertain the vaccination pattern in the communities. The reasons were grouped under contextual, individual/group and vaccine/vaccination specific issues. The most frequent reason (27.7%) was the uncertainty of getting the vaccine. The findings show the need for increasing effectiveness of awareness campaigns, accessibility and the convenience of vaccination, especially among vulnerable groups, to increase the uptake.

1121 Single Use Nasal Endoscopes – A Review of The Cost and Organisational Implications Based on Department Size

Abstract Aim Single use nasal endoscopes have become increasingly popular since the COVID-19 pandemic. By avoiding the risk of cross contamination and reducing exposure by eliminating the need for re-processing, the disposable scopes have clear safety benefits. Despite ENT UK guidelines recommending that disposable nasal endoscopes be available in every department for use in emergencies, they have often been considered prohibitively expensive. The aim of this study was to analyse the costs associated with traditional nasal endoscopes and compare them to the single use scopes. Method A micro costing exercise was undertaken in three ENT departments: 2 university hospitals, and 1 district general hospital. The outcomes were compared and discussed with relation to the logistics of the departments, as well as organizational considerations. Results Cost per procedure varied according to the reprocessing methods used in the different departments. The cost of the disposable nasal endoscopes appears high, however there are many hidden costs associated with the traditional scopes, which can be difficult to quantify accurately. Conclusions Although disposable endoscopes appear costly, reprocessing and frequent repairs required for re-usable scopes account for the comparable cost per procedure. The high risk of COVID-19 transmission from examining the upper aerodigestive tract means that the safety benefits bear more weight in the current climate. However, concerns regarding environmental impact, image quality and storage of examinations also need to be considered.

Transmission Possibility of COVID-19 via Surgical Smoke Generated by the Use of Laparoscopic Approaches: A Subject of Debate During the Pandemic.

Background: The smoke created by energy-based devices during surgery may have the potential to transmit viral components to operating room staff. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed staff safety regulations. However, it is not clearly understood whether it can be transmitted via surgical smoke. Laparoscopic approaches have become the standard surgical procedure in many cases, but some of previous investigations have advised to pretermit these approaches due to high risk of COVID-19 transmission. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the English literature that were indexed in the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases by using key words including Virus, viral transmission, surgical smoke, surgical plum, laparoscopy, and COVID-19 both solely and in two-word combination. A total of 87 articles were found relevant, and after reviewing the abstract, 33 articles were shortlisted and summarized. Results: Previous studies have focused on different surgical instruments that generate smoke, methods to collect and analyze the smoke and to understand the implications of its exposure after an analysis. A total of 9 out of 11 studies on the potential transmission of human papilloma virus through surgical smoke found evidence in favor of transmission. There were studies on the possible transmission of HIV, hepatitis B virus, and Sabin poliomyelitis vaccine virus 2. Conclusion: We do not believe that laparoscopic procedures may have extra risk for COVID-19 transmission compared with the open procedures, but it is always advised that the operating room staff adhere to the safety instructions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SISTEM PENGUKURAN SUHU TUBUH OTOMATIS BERBASIS ARDUINO SEBAGAI ALAT DETEKSI AWAL COVID-19

Public places such as offices, factories or public facilities are places that have high risk of COVID-19 transmission. Therefore, proper and fast precautions are needed, by complying with health protocols, including that every employee or person who wants to enter an office building, factory or other public facilitiesis checked for temperature by officers as early detection of COVID-19. This study discusses the design of an Arduino-based automatic body temperature measuring device which has a reminder alarm if the body temperature is above 37.30 °C. This tool is connected to a smartphone or computer device via bluetooth. This body temperature measuring device utilizes the DS18B20 sensor to measure temperature in units of Celsius ( 0 C). The data is also displayed in the 16x2 (cm) LCD on it. The results of the test for measuring body temperature is compared to thermo gun, have a deviation range of 1,05-1,92%. It is expected that this body temperature measuring device can be installed in public places that need to carry out checks on people who want to enter the buildings or offices. Fortunetly, the operators can stand in the saving place that is far away from the virus trnsmission.

Hubungan Pengetahuan dan Sikap terhadap Praktik Pencegahan COVID-19 pada Narapidana

Background: A prison or Detention Center is a closed community with a high risk of COVID-19 transmission. Preventive efforts to disseminate the virus are needed as soon as possible for the safety of assisted residents who have the possibility of conducting social distancing, considering that the number exceeds the ideal capacity of the detention centre. This study aimed to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of assisted residents at Detention Center Class II B Kolaka regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic, which is very important as an evaluation of the condition of the inmates as a closed community and as a consideration for related parties for further local policymaking. Method: This was quantitative research using the cross-sectional design. There were 166 samples in Detention Center Class II B Kolaka. The instrument used was a questionnaire using 20 items. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test. Results: Out of 166 respondents, 92.8% had good knowledge, 87.3% had a confident attitude, 86.7% practised vigilance against the COVID-19 Pandemic. Based on the analysis using Chi-Square, it was found that p-value = 0.000, which means that there is a relationship between the level of knowledge and practice and between the respondent's attitude and practice.

Red ginger wedang to strengthen immune system against covid-19 of children living in an orphanage

The outbreak of the corona virus has forced orphanage children to gather at home to carry out learning and playing activities. The activity of gathering in one house can cause a high risk of Covid-19 transmission. The implementation of the community service program carried out by lecturers from the Food Science and Technology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara is a training for making red ginger wedang at LKSA Anak Gembira, Medan Tuntungan, Medan. Red ginger wedang is a drink that is healthy and refreshing for the body, where the aim of this training is that partners can practice it and consume it to maintain their immune system at LKSA Anak Gembira in preventing Covid-19. The training activity for making red ginger drink was attended by 24 people consisting of 2 orphanage owners and 22 orphanage children. After that, the consumption of red ginger was carried out and questionnaires were administered to measure the level of understanding of the benefits and preferences of the respondents towards red ginger after the training was held. The results of the questionnaire show that 93% respondents understand the benefits of red ginger for health and 87% like red ginger wedang.

Identifying the space-time patterns of COVID-19 risk and their associations with different built environment features in Hong Kong

Identifying the space-time patterns of areas with a higher risk of transmission and the associated built environment and demographic characteristics during the COVID-19 pandemic is critical for developing targeted intervention measures in response to the pandemic. This study aims to identify areas with a higher risk of COVID-19 transmission in different periods in Hong Kong and analyze the associated built environment and demographic factors using data of individual confirmed cases. We detect statistically significant space-time clusters of COVID-19 at the Large Street Block Group (LSBG) level in Hong Kong between January 23 and April 14, 2020. Two types of high-risk areas are identified (residences of and places visited by confirmed cases) and two types of cases (imported and local cases) are considered. The demographic and built environment features for the identified high-risk areas are further examined. The results indicate that high transport accessibility, dense and high-rise buildings, a higher density of commercial land and higher land-use mix are associated with a higher risk for places visited by confirmed cases. More green spaces, higher median household income, lower commercial land density are linked to a higher risk for the residences of confirmed cases. The results in this study not only can inform policymakers to improve resource allocation and intervention strategies but also can provide guidance to the public to avoid conducting high-risk activities and visiting high-risk places.

KUALITAS UDARA DAN POTENSI TRANSMISI COVID-19 DI PULAU JAWA

Penularan SARS-CoV-2 di Indonesia semakin mengkhawatirkan. Pandemik COVID-19 tidak hanya berdampak pada individu yang terinfeksi langsung, tetapi juga berimbas kepada para penyintas kolateral, yaitu mereka yang kehidupannya ikut terdisrupsi akibat krisis. Pulau Jawa adalah episentrum penularan COVID-19 di Indonesia. Beberapa studi menunjukkan bahwa kejadian COVID-19 memiliki hubungan yang erat dengan tingginya konsentrasi zat partikulat di udara. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan antara kualitas udara dan risiko penularan COVID-19 di Pulau Jawa. Kualitas udara diukur dengan konsentrasi NO2, sedangkan risiko penularan COVID-19 direfleksikan oleh Indeks Kewaspadaan COVID-19. Penelitian ini menggunakan empat model untuk melihat pengaruh kadar NO2 terhadap Indeks Kewaspadaan COVID-19, dimana variabel kepadatan penduduk ditambahkan sebagai kontrol. Model-0 adalah model dasar tanpa efek kelompok dan efek spasial. Model-1 adalah pengembangan dari Model-0 dengan menambahkan efek spasial. Model-2 adalah pengembangan dari Model-0 dengan menambahkan efek kelompok. Sedangkan, Model-3 adalah model lengkap dengan efek kelompok dan efek spasial. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa Model-3 adalah model terbaik dalam menjelaskan pengaruh kadar NO2 terhadap Indeks Kewaspadaan COVID-19. Model-3 mampu meningkatkan kinerja model secara substansial. Hasil pengujian mengindikasikan bahwa kadar NO2 berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap Indeks Kewaspadaan COVID-19, setelah efek kelompok dan efek spasial diperhitungkan. Dengan demikian, disimpulkan bahwa semakin tinggi konsentrasi NO2 yang mencerminkan semakin buruk kualitas udara, semakin tinggi pula risiko penularan COVID-19. Hasil ini memiliki implikasi penting untuk strategi pencegahan penyebaran COVID-19, khususnya pada daerah-daerah dengan tingkat pencemaran udara yang tinggi.

The Role of Diagnostic Management in COVID-19 Screening of Asymptomatic Patients Admitted for Elective Surgery.

Due to the high risk of COVID-19 transmission by asymptomatic patients, the aim of this study was to evaluate chest computed tomography (CT) and blood differential test as an additional COVID-19 screening tool for patients undergoing elective or urgent surgery. The preoperative assessment of 118 patients hospitalized from June to July 2020 included real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction RNA test before elective surgery or rapid antigen test in emergency patients. The diagnostics were supplemented by chest CT and a complete blood count with a blood smear in all patients. None of the hospitalized patients had molecular, serological or radiographic symptoms of COVID-19 infection. The chest CT revealed non-COVID-19 pathologies in a total of 48 patients. Leukocytosis and lymphopenia were typical of emergency patients. Routine chest CT scans have no benefit in screening for potential COVID-19 changes in asymptomatic patients. Blood differential tests are readily available, which makes them more helpful in COVID-19 screening.

A comprehensive insights into oral health in COVID-19

The novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and the most probable route of entrance for the SARS-CoV-2 virus is suggested to be that of oral mucosa as it contains angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors, which acts as a cellular doorway for the entry of the virus. Anti-viral and broad-spectrum antibiotics used to treat COVID-19 can be responsible for oral problems associated with soft tissue, saliva production, and neurological-based oral sensations reported even in fully recovered patients. Oral manifestations like loss of taste (complete ageusia or partial hypogeusia) and altered taste were most common, followed by various lesions and plaques affecting the intraoral site. Poor oral hygiene can lead to complications in patients suffering from systemic diseases such as diabetes, kidney, and liver disease. Since oral health has a significant impact on a patient's general health, improved oral hygiene can significantly decrease the risk of oropharyngeal colonization and respiratory complications, especially in the elderly and patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Due to the high risk of COVID-19 transmission among dentists and patients, it is important to re-design recommendations to oral medicine and dentists working in the hospital setting to manage oral manifestations. Oral health-related quality of life is an all-encompassing term used to denote how one's oral health impacts on their ability to function normally can be a crucial subjective measure to analyze oral health during these challenging times.

The COVID-19 pandemic: impact on NHS England PET-CT services and lessons learnt.

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to examine the impact of the first wave of COVID-19 on National Health Service (NHS) 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography computed tomography (FDG PET-CT) scanning activity across England.MethodsMonthly FDG PET-CT scanning activity was collected from 41/48 NHS England provider sites. Data from 31/41 sites were stratified by nononcology/oncology, cancer type, with lung cancer and lymphoma split into specific indications, turn-around times and delays due to radiotracer.ResultsIn April and May 2020, a 32 and 31% decrease in activity was observed, a larger decrease for noncancer compared with cancer FDG PET-CT. In June 2020, activity started to recover with 6% fewer scans recorded compared with June 2019. Of the six most common indications, lung and oesophageal cancer had the largest decrease in activity and slowest recovery. Lymphoma and melanoma showed the smallest decrease and fastest recovery. Lung cancer scans for initial diagnosis/staging saw the largest fall and slowest recovery compared with scans for known lung cancer. There was no percentage increase in overall turn-around time compared with the same months in 2019, and no increase in turn-around time of more than 7 working days due to FDG supply during April and May 2020 compared with the 3 previous months.ConclusionsThere is no correlation between FDG PET-CT activity (fall and recovery) in England and the ability to provide the service by NHS England. It most likely reflects a combination of changes in health-seeking behaviour, NHS health policy and a decrease in the use of investigations that carry a high risk of COVID-19 transmission.