Coronavirus Information
Please be aware that we review and update the following information on a regular basis and share any changes with our staff prior to posting.
Please read our COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs here.
COVID-19 INFORMATION - Updated November 19, 2024 - Patient and Visitor information
Dear Members of the VOA Community,
As always, your health and safety remain our utmost priority at VOA. We are writing to inform you of our continued COVID-19/Flu protocols at Virginia Oncology Associates (VOA) Clinics.
In light of recent developments and trends in the spread of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, RSV, and flu, we have diligently monitored the situation within our community and healthcare system. We are pleased to report that the rates of these illnesses have plateaued, indicating a positive trajectory in our collective efforts to mitigate their spread.
However, it is important to emphasize that while the rates have plateaued, the risks associated with these respiratory illnesses have not been entirely eliminated and remain moderate to high. Therefore, we remain committed to maintaining a safe environment within our practice to protect the health and well-being of our patients, staff, and visitors (see our visitor policy below).
After careful consideration and consultation with healthcare experts, we will continue with a mask-optional policy within our facilities. This decision is based on several factors:
- Plateauing Rates: The plateauing rates of COVID-19, RSV, and flu suggest a more stabilized situation within our community, reducing the immediate risk of transmission.
- Encouraged Masking: While masks will no longer be mandatory, we strongly encourage all individuals entering our facilities to continue wearing masks if symptomatic. Masking provides an added layer of protection against respiratory illnesses, particularly in crowded or enclosed spaces, even for those who have been vaccinated.
- Individual Choice and Comfort: We recognize that individual circumstances and preferences vary, and some individuals may feel more comfortable wearing masks for their own peace of mind. Therefore, we support the freedom of choice regarding mask usage within our practice.
- Continued Vigilance: During our mask optional policy, we will maintain rigorous hygiene and cleaning protocols, including regular disinfection of high-touch surfaces, to minimize the risk of transmission within our facilities.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we navigate these evolving circumstances together. Your ongoing support is deeply appreciated, and we remain dedicated to serving you with the highest standards of care.
Best regards,
Heather Jones, MD; Task Force Physician Lead
Scott Kruger, MD; Medical Director
Mark Fleming, MD; Practice President
Attention: Patients who are experiencing a COVID event are required to quarantine for a 7-day period, and may return to the office on day 7 without testing. Following the return, patients must mask for four consecutive days if coming to our office. Patients are allowed back in our office(s) on day seven if they are asymptomatic or greatly improving (mild cough or congestion) after taking a rapid test with a negative result.
High-Risk Exposures -
- Patients that have random high-risk exposure may continue with scheduled appointments if they are asymptomatic. If the patient is symptomatic or becomes symptomatic, rapid antigen testing is required.
- If a patient has a high-risk exposure at home, the patient is required to take a rapid antigen test on the first day of known exposure, and on days 3 and 5. If negative, the patient can keep all scheduled appointments, but is required to wear a mask in the office during this process.
- If the patient is on active treatment, it will be at the discretion of the provider to hold/reschedule treatment for asymptomatic high-risk exposures.
Testing Requirements - Patients are required to take a Rapid test for COVID at the onset of new symptoms.
Dear Visitors,
The Coronavirus Task Force would like to take a moment to update you on our visitation policy for all clinic sites. We are delighted to welcome support visitors back into our clinic. Your presence provides comfort and encouragement to the patients we serve, and we value the role you play in their care journey. However, with this privilege comes an important responsibility: to help us protect our vulnerable patient population.
Your Role in Keeping Everyone Safe
Many of the individuals we care for are immunocompromised or otherwise at higher risk for severe illness. To ensure their safety, we ask all visitors to take the following steps:
Self-Screening Responsibilities
Before entering our facility, please take a moment to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms and exposure risks. By entering, you attest that you do not currently have, nor have experienced in the past 48 hours, any of the following symptoms:
Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
In the past 10 days, you have not:
Tested positive for COVID-19.
Been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
Awaited results from a COVID-19 test.
If you answer YES to any of these questions, we kindly ask you to postpone your visit.
Policy Updates
Clinic Visits: Patients may now have up to two support persons accompany them during their visit.
Infusion Room: Patients undergoing infusion treatments may have one support person with them for the entire duration of their appointment.
Why Self-Screening Matters
Self-screening is a simple yet critical step to ensure the health and safety of our patients, staff, and other visitors. By following this policy, you contribute to a safer environment for everyone.
Recommended Actions
Vaccination: We strongly recommend all visitors be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including receiving booster shots.
Hygiene Practices: Please use hand sanitizers provided throughout our facility and wear a mask if requested.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Together, we can continue to provide the highest level of care while ensuring the safety and well-being of all who enter our facility.
For questions or concerns regarding these guidelines, please contact our team prior to your visit
Sincerely,
The VOA COVID Task Force
For additional information, view the resources below.
For Immunocompromised Patients
A Message from Dr. Gradon Nielsen about the COVID-19 Vaccine and Cancer Treatment
What do patients receiving cancer treatment need to know about the COVID-19 Vaccine? Dr. Gradon Nielsen, from Virginia Oncology Associates, answers common questions about the safety and effectiveness of taking the vaccine while undergoing cancer treatment. It is important for cancer patients to receive the vaccine as they run a higher risk for COVID. Watch to learn more about the best time to take the vaccine based on your cancer treatment plan and if you still need it if you have been previously diagnosed with COVID-19.