The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is committed to keeping our patients and workforce members safe throughout the emerging global public health emergency related to the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). As part of our commitment, the institution is taking additional proactive measures to prevent the introduction or spread of COVID-19 at any of our campuses.
Effective immediately, MD Anderson is:
- Canceling all business travel, domestic and international. Travel restrictions are in place for the next eight weeks (through April 29). The institution will monitor closely and re-evaluate whether an extension is needed or whether travel restrictions can be lifted when there is clear evidence that the global public health emergency is abated. Further communication will be provided as the fluid situation evolves.
- Encouraging use of institutional Skype, WebEx and other remote participation tools to conduct meetings, when possible.
- Encouraging workforce members to practice vigilance and caution during personal time such as spring break. Previous travel precautions during personal time remain in place, including defined screening criteria for returning to work.
"Our cancer patients are uniquely vulnerable to coronavirus. For this reason, we are committing to increased workforce precautions," said Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of MD Anderson. "By limiting our exposure to known and probable risks associated with the spread COVID-19, namely travel-related exposure and large gatherings, we hope to contribute to our nation's containment of this disease."
Work is underway on an escalation process for restricting incoming business or community visitors, internal assemblies, community events and more, based on specified criteria. Additional details will be shared, once available.
