Texas Oncology is asking all patients and visitors to wear masks or face coverings when visiting clinics.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated its guidance on face coverings, recommending wearing cloth face coverings in public places when social distancing is hard to maintain. Texas Oncology’s protocols, in line with the advice of the CDC, create a safer environment for patients who need vital treatment, as well as staff and caregivers.
According to the CDC, face coverings should fit snugly across the side of the face, be secured with ties or loops, include layers of fabric, allow for unrestricted breathing, and be machine washable. Face coverings can be made at home with common household materials, such as t-shirts, bandanas, elastic, and rubber bands. More details on fashioning, removing, and properly cleaning face masks can be found on CDC.gov/coronavirus.
Texas Oncology is accepting homemade mask donations for staff and patients in need. Members of the community who wish to donate homemade masks should contact a Texas Oncology location for a safe drop-off and place masks in a clearly marked bag or box with your contact information.
Implementing new face coverings guidelines is one of many safety measures Texas Oncology has taken during the COVID-19 pandemic."
Implementing new face coverings guidelines is one of many safety measures Texas Oncology has taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, including:
- Expanding telemedicine capabilities so that physicians can conduct virtual visits with patients from their homes, when clinically appropriate;
- Rescheduling non-urgent appointments;
- Limiting visitors, or allowing no visitors depending on the location; and not allowing children to accompany patients;
- Pre-screening patients by phone prior to appointments;
- Screening patients and caregivers for symptoms at the entrances to our locations.