COVID-19 is a new strain of the coronavirus that has spread rapidly across the globe. This is a virus that is spread from person to person through droplets when a person coughs or sneezes, or from touching surfaces that have been exposed to the virus. Many people have mild symptoms, allowing them to unknowingly spread the virus to others. Older patients and patients being treated with cancer are particularly more at risk for the severe form of the disease, which can involve lung injury and death.
At CSNF our top priority is our patient’s well-being. We are committed to helping prevent the spread of coronavirus among our patients, staff and our community.
- If you have a fever, cough, or other viral symptoms, please call our office so we can instruct you on the best course of action for your situation.
- If you are having any symptoms and are scheduled to see us, please call before your appointment.
- Please limit family and caregivers to one person. If any family or caregivers have any symptoms, we ask them to not enter our offices for the safety of our patients and staff.
The safety of our patients and our care team is our highest priority. In order to continue our mission of cancer care, while doing our part to prevent spreading the coronavirus, we have taken several actions:
- Enhanced disinfection procedures in our offices.
- Enhanced screening of patients. You may be called by our office before your appointment to make sure we can address any acutely ill patients swiftly.
- We have asked for limited visitors in the office and no visitors in the infusion rooms to reduce potential exposure to our patients and staff.
- We are training our staff on the enhanced procedures and updating our processes as we receive new guidelines from the CDC and Florida Department of Health.
In addition to our precautions, we ask that patients and their family members join our staff in:
- Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your face. These are the most effective ways to avoid spreading the coronavirus.
- Avoiding groups (of 10 and larger) and social contact when possible; keep 6 feet away from other individuals.
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces daily, including counters, table, doorknobs, etc.
Call us if you are experiencing symptoms. Patients who are not on active treatment may be asked to self-isolate at home. Click here for more information regarding COVID-19.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html
https://www.cancer.net/blog/2020-03/coronavirus-2019-what-people-with-cancer-need-know
