What is the GW Cancer Center doing to protect patients and visitors?
Patients are being directed to specific entrances of the MFA Ambulatory Care Center (ACC) building in order to limit movement and exposure throughout the building.
Patients and visitors are being screened upon arrival to the ACC and those who are exhibiting symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breathmay be directed to a designated area for further screening.
We are trying to limit the volume of patients who enter the GW Cancer Center for the safety of our active cancer patients.
- For patients coming to
- clinic: we are limiting non-patient guests to ONE additional person.
- For patients coming to the
- infusion center: we will not be permitting any guests to accompany patients.
What if I am not feeling well?
If you have cold or flu-like symptoms, YOU MUST CALL YOUR PROVIDER prior to coming to your appointment to most appropriately address your symptoms.
Should I come to my appointment?
If you need or prefer to cancel your appointment, our staff will be happy to help reschedule your appointment to a later date. Please call the GW Cancer Center for rescheduling.
At this time, we are waiving all cancellation fees for clinic appointments at the GW Cancer Center.
Am I in a high-risk group for contracting COVID-19?
If you are currently on active treatment for cancer (including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation), you may be immunocompromised. Please see below for recommendations for our high-risk patients.
How can I protect myself from getting COVID-19?
The following recommendations are derived from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guidelines for patients undergoing chemotherapy and are helpful practices to limit the spread of the coronavirus within the general population.
Daily precautions
- Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, and cough/sneeze into a tissue
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Clean frequently-touched objects/surfaces with household cleaning sprays or wipes
- Doorknobs
- Countertops/toilets
- Keyboards/phones/tablets
- You do not need to wear a mask unless you have symptoms or if your doctor has advised it due to special circumstances.
CDC recommendations for high risk patients
- Stock up on household supplies/medications - ask your doctor if you need extra anti-nausea medications or other medications that you take during chemotherapy
- Keep space between yourselves and others
- Avoid crowds as much as possible (church, concerts, community events, group meetings)
- Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel
- Stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk
- This may mean working from home when possible - ask your doctor if your job requires a letter/note to allow working from home
- If you cannot work from home, talk to your doctor about workplace accommodations and whether you should take time off work to reduce your risk
The following is a reliable resource where you can gather further information and guidance about COVID-19:- www.coronavirus.gov (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)