Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises avoiding crowded areas, washing hands with soap frequently and for at least 20 seconds, not touching your face and disinfecting high-contact surfaces.

If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 70% of alcohol.

The CDC has identified high-risk groups for severe illnesses from COVID-19 as those aged 65 years and older, those living in long-term care facility and those with pre-existing conditions. These include chronic lung disease, serious heart conditions, severe obesity and associated concerns like diabetes, renal failure and liver disease. Those with  compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing treatment for cancer, are among those at high risk.

Who should I contact if I believe I have been exposed to the coronavirus or if I start showing symptoms of COVID-19?

If you are exposed to someone who tests positive for the coronavirus or if you  experience symptoms, knowing who to call is important. In this situation, your treating health care team will be able to assess the situation and advise on next steps, such as testing and quarantine measures, as needed.

Information about the risks of coronavirus continues to change, so asking your doctor about your specific risks and suggested preventative measures ensures that you receive the most up-to-date information.

Many resources are being shifted to address COVID- 19, including doctors and nurses, in addition to the hazards of clinical settings handling the outbreak. Accordingly, some cancer treatments may be postponed or adjusted, including chemotherapy sessions.

Ask your doctor if they would suggest filling a larger prescription than you usually receive a 60-day supply instead of a 30-day supply, for example. But if you continue clinical visits, ask about changes to visitation rules and other policies of the hospital before you go. Above all, communicate with  your team to keep updated on adjustments and make sure they know your concerns and ask them questions.

Here are some questions suggested by  the  American Cancer Society, that people with cancer may want to ask their health care team about COVID-19 and their healthcare plan.

• Are there special precautions I should be taking? If so, for how long
• Can I visit friends? Can they visit me?
• What symptoms of COVID-19 should I watch for?
• Is it necessary for me to have this procedure or start treatment now, or is it safe to wait?
• Are there any medicines or supplements I can take during treatment to lessen my risk of contracting COVID-19?
• Should I continue treatment or keep my appointments if I have symptoms of COVID- 19?
• Is there a chance my procedure or treatment will get canceled? What are my options if it’s canceled?

Coping With Anxiety About the Coronavirus

The spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in early March. By most accounts, those with a cancer diagnosis face higher risks of infection due to compromised immune systems resulting from cancer or its treatment. Understandably, this can be a source of anxiety for many. Here are some guidelines for managing your concerns.

Take Time For Yourself

Self-care practices can lessen symptoms of anxiety. Prioritizing sleep, eating a balanced and nutritious diet and getting regular exercise within guidelines set by your treating health care team can work to improve mood and daily functioning. Other effective strategies include grounding techniques such as meditation, deep breathing and listening to some beautiful music can help you settle down or reading books.

Reach Out to Family, Friends and Loved Ones

Social connections play an essential role in coping. Regular contact with loved ones provides an outlet for relieving stress and sharing feelings. It contributes to a vital sense of normalcy, added comfort and a stabilizing force when facing so much uncertainty. At a time when many health experts are advising “social distancing” as a way of limiting exposure to the coronavirus, there are still ways to connect with others. Phone calls, email, social media, FaceTime and other video chat apps help maintain bonds with loved ones. In addition to the above, there are games that can be played online or by way of smartphone applications with friends and other loved ones, such as versions of cherished board games, house party or dinner dash.

Speak With Your Treating Health Care Team

Many facilities have updated their patient and visitor policies to reduce transmission risks and protect the health and safety of staff, patients and others. You may no longer be able to bring visitors with you, for example. Regardless of how these updates are transmitted, whether via email, handouts or posted throughout the facility, take care to review this content and ensure you understand it fully. Be sure to review any questions or concerns with your health care team.

Stay Informed and Seek Trusted Sources

It can be tempting to look up symptoms online or become absorbed in the details from the latest news

cycle. While staying informed is certainly important, try to focus on reliable sources of medical information such as the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). These sites provide important developments about the coronavirus without the need to follow the intense daily news cycles. While it is vital to keep apprised of changes in movement and travel and new information about our understanding of the coronavirus, take breaks from distressing media coverage when needed and focus on the things that bring joy and meaning.

Reducing Your Risk in Public

If you must run errands yourself, buy in bulk in order to reduce the number of trips, including household supplies and foods that are less perishable and easily stored, like peanut butter and canned goods (ask your doctor for food to avoid) .

The coronavirus can survive on surfaces for hours. Cover your hand with a cloth or sleeve when needing to touch high-contact objects such as elevator buttons, hand rails and door handles. Avoid touching your face, as the virus can enter through your eyes, mouth or nostrils. Cloth face coverings or masks are recommended for all individuals when in public; this should be washed regularly. Once you return home, wash your hands immediately and thoroughly with soap and water. Hand sanitizers with a 70% alcohol content are a secondary option. Disinfect any surfaces in your home that have been touched by outside objects with a household disinfectant or a diluted bleach solution (the CDC recommends 1/3 cup bleach per gallon of water).