Coronavirus Guidance

VA Maryland Health Care System Update
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VA Maryland Health Care
System Update

 
 
 
 
   

News & Announcements

 
 

To All VA Maryland Health Care System Veteran Patients & Visitors:

Please review the following actions and guidance that are being implemented throughout the VA Maryland Health Care System to maintain a safe and healthy environment for our patients, staff, volunteers and visitors considering the recent confirmed cases of Coronavirus in the state of Maryland.

 

Patient Information:

 

  • If you have symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath, call our Telephone Care Line for triage and instructions before coming to a VA medical center or outpatient clinic. The Telephone Care Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 800-865-2441.
  • Call 911 if you are having a life-threatening emergency.
  • Consider using virtual care options such as telehealth or My HealtheVet Secure Messaging.

 Screening Information:

  • Active screening will begin in the lobby of the Baltimore VAMC beginning Tues, March 10, 2020, for all patients and visitors.
  • Active screening is in place at all clinic check-in points throughout the health care system.
  • A process is in place to report and track Veterans and staff who screen positively for Coronavirus risk factors. Those individuals will also be guided through a protocol to promote their wellbeing and the safety of others.

Visitor Information:

If you do not feel well, have a cold, cough, runny nose, sore throat, muscle aches or fever, please postpone your visit to any VA Maryland Health Care System facility until you are better. Additionally, please be aware of the following:

  • Visitors who enter a Community Living Center or any residential unit are being screened with questions about fever, cough, shortness of breath and/or travel before being allowed to visit patients.
  • If you are well enough to visit, please clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer before entering and after leaving a patient room.
  • Visit one patient only.

 

Additional Guidance:

  • Starting on Tuesday, March 10, valet parking is being suspended in the garage at the Baltimore VA Medical Center until further notice. Self-parking will still be available for patients and visitors.
  • In the near future, access to the pedestrian bridge that connects the Baltimore VA Medial Center and the University of Maryland Medical Center will be restricted to only VA and University of MD staff and volunteers via ID badge access.
  • You can find latest guidance from VA about the Coronavirus at https://www.publichealth.va.gov/n-coronavirus/.

 

Everyday Actions to Prevent the Spread of Germs:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. An easy way to mark the time is to hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice while scrubbing.
  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick or becoming sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue (not your hands) and throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

As always, thank you for entrusting the VA Maryland Health Care System with your health care needs and for helping us to keep all Veteran patients, staff, volunteers and visitors safe.

 

Sincerely,

VA Maryland Health Care System