Coronavirus Update For First District Veterans
Washington,
March 17, 2020
With reports yesterday of confirmed Coronavirus cases in Otsego and Grand Traverse Counties, we know we must prepare, and take this illness seriously. Michigan's First District is home to over 50,000 of our nation's Veterans. As a Veteran and member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, I'm working to do my part to help ensure those who are serving and those who have served are protected and prepared.
I've compiled some Veteran-specific information that I believe will be helpful, and I encourage you to share it with our great Veteran community. As always, my staff and I remain available to help you navigate through these uncertain days, so don't hesitate to give us a call. Respectfully, Jack Bergman --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What should Veterans do if they think they have COVID-19? Before visiting local VA medical facilities, community providers, urgent care centers, or emergency departments in their communities, Veterans experiencing COVID-19 symptoms—such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath—are encouraged to call their VA medical facility or call MyVA311(844-698-2311, press #3 to be connected). What about routine appointments and previously scheduled procedures? VA is encouraging all Veterans to call their VA facility before seeking any care—even previously scheduled medical visits, mental health appointments, or surgical procedures. Veterans can also send secure messages to their health care providers via MyhealtheVet and find out whether they should still come in for their scheduled appointments. VA providers may arrange to convert appointments to video visits, where possible. Can visitors still access VA medical facilities? Many VA medical facilities have canceled public events for the time being, and VA is urging all visitors who do not feel well to postpone their visits to local VA medical facilities. Facilities have also been directed to limit the number of entrances through which visitors can enter. Upon arrival, all patients, visitors, and employees will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and possible exposure. What about VA nursing homes and spinal cord injury units? On March 10, 2020, VA announced that its 134 nursing homes (also called VA community living centers) and 24 spinal cord injury and disorder centers would be closed to all outside visitors. All clinical staff will be screened for COVID-19 daily before entering the nursing home or spinal cord injury units, and staff will work only within those units to limit possible transmission of the virus. Exceptions to the visitor policy will only be made for cases when veterans are in their last stages of life on hospice units or inpatient spinal cord injury units.
Saginaw VA Medical Center For the safety of patients, visitors and staff, the Iron Mountain VA Medical Center is changing its visitation policy for all its health care facilities in the Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin to help to combat the spread of the Coronavirus. Effective at noon CST, March 16th, the VA medical center and its seven community-based VA clinics are not allowing visitors for most patients and staff until further notice. Visitors will be prohibited from entering the medical center unless it is necessary for providing medical care, supporting patient care activities, or visiting under exigent circumstances, such as grave illness or imminent death of a family member under care in the facility. VA has administered over 100 COVID-19 tests nationwide while taking aggressive steps to prevent COVID-19 transmission. These measures include outreach to Veterans and staff, clinical screening at VA health care facilities, and protective procedures for patients admitted to community living centers and spinal cord injury units. To learn more, click HERE. |
