Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): What dental practitioners need to know

COVID-19 FAQs, page 13

13. Will there be social distancing and closing of schools, large gatherings, etc.?

The last time that social distancing was enforced was in 1918-1919 with the influenza pandemic. Will it be necessary to implement this again? That may be a possibility. Some countries have already closed schools, shopping malls, and social/sporting venues, etc. The ultimate decision will be determined by the states and/or local health departments. Some school systems and colleges in Washington, California, and Oregon have already closed, and most likely more will do so. It is too early to predict how severe any closures will be.