Lives CONNECTING
Coronavirus Update Coronavirus (COVID-19) is on the top of mind for almost everyone these days, but can be of more concern to those with compromised immune systems, including cancer patients and their families. To help put your mind at ease, here are some facts and ways to protect yourself. COVID-19 is a large group of viruses that can cause respiratory illness in humans and animals. The virus spreads through close contact (within about 6 feet) through droplets of bodily fluids produced when a person coughs or sneezes. People seem to be most contagious when they have symptoms, but you can also catch the virus from infected people who have no symptoms. Symptoms of COVID-19 include: • Fever (100.4) • Cough • Shortness of breath These symptoms can start between 2-14 days after coming into contact with the virus. Many people who are infected with this coronavirus have mild respiratory symptoms, and some people show no symptoms at all. However, symptoms can become severe in certain people. People who are older, and people with severe underlying health conditions appear to have a higher risk of developing severe illness.
Spring 2020 Edition
The Bismarck Cancer Center (BCC) is taking precautions to protect our patients and staff. • Patients are currently restricted to one visitor • Patients are asked to limit their time in the clinic and arrive 5 minutes before their appointment/ treatment time. If you arrive early, you will be asked to wait in your car • Visitors must be age 18 or older and will be screened for signs of respiratory illness including fever and cough and will be asked about recent travel • BCC will not be hosting yoga, support groups or any educational classes until further notice • Patients or visitor experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are asked to call the clinic prior to coming in.
Simple ways to help protect yourself and others from Coronavirus: • Wash your hands frequently using soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being out in public. • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water isn’t available. • Avoid touching your face when your hands aren’t clean. • Avoid contact with people are who are or may be sick, practice social distancing while outside your home. • Avoid travel, stay home if possible. • Clean and disinfect surfaces you touch daily. While the developing news about COVID-19 can be distressing, BCC would like to remind you that we are all in this together. In addition, many of our Foundation events planned for this spring have been rescheduled or are in process of being rescheduled. To stay up to date on any upcoming events, please visit our website at bismarckcancercenter.com or our Bismarck Cancer Center Facebook page.
*Please check our website for updates on these events.