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 February 21, 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 an important update to our 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.
After careful consideration and consultation with healthcare experts, we have decided to transition from a mask-mandatory policy to 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. 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: Despite the transition to a 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.
We understand this transition may raise questions or concerns, and we are here to address any inquiries you may have. Our staff members are available to provide guidance and assistance as needed.
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 10-day period, and may return to the office on day 10 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 5 and 7. If negative, the patient can keep all scheduled appointments, but is required to wear a mask in the office during this process. The patient must bring proof of day 7's negative result (a picture of the test or the actual test stick). If positive, the patient's appointments will need to be rescheduled after the 10-day quarantine period.
- 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. At this time, we will continue to limit visitation to one person per patient, and we ask that all visitors respect this policy during their time at the clinic.
We also want to remind visitors that the infusion and radiation treatment areas are designated as restricted areas and should be kept free of visitors at all times. This is to help ensure the safety of our patients, as well as to minimize the risk of transmission of infection.
We understand that these policies may be inconvenient for some visitors, but we want to assure you that they are in place to protect the health and safety of our patients and staff. We are aligned with many of the major health organizations in the Hampton Roads region that have allowed masking to be optional. However, we must take extra precautions due to the vulnerable members of our community that we serve.
We continue to ask all visitors to follow the below information for self-screening prior to entering the office:
- Visitors attest that they do not have COVID-19 or related symptoms. This declaration is made by simply entering our facility.
- Visitors who tested positive, had contact with someone who tested positive, or have pending COVID results within the last 14 days are not allowed.
- Visitors with symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath are not allowed.
- It is recommended that visitors be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including booster shots.
- One support person may accompany an infusion center patient for extenuating circumstances, but cannot stay during the appointment.
We would like to thank you for your cooperation and understanding during these challenging times. By limiting the number of visitors, we can reduce the risk of overcrowding and protect our patient population. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask a member of our team.
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.