COVID-19 Updates from VA Long Beach
Our readiness response for COVID-19 is in place throughout our health care system. Some of our actions will be very obvious, such as the 100% screening process currently underway. Others will be very subtle and behind the scenes.
Our COVID-19 Status: Zero Positive Exposures
We are fortunate that, at present, we have not had a positive COVID-19 exposure within the VA Long Beach Healthcare System, but many other medical centers in our communities have. For that reason, we are continually looking at our operations for vulnerabilities and taking actions to reduce risk.
Updates to Our Operations
The number one priority for VA Long Beach has always been and will continue to be upholding the VA mission to care for our Veterans. In a state of emergency such as this, we are exploring every avenue possible to deliver timely care and critical services.
The situation is constantly evolving, and we are doing our best to adapt. Having said that, school closures across both Los Angeles and Orange Counties are impacting our workforce.
As a result, we are postponing all elective surgeries and procedures to both reduce unnecessary risk exposure, but also to support and sustain our workforce for the duration of the emergency. Our health care system is working around the clock to ensure that our Veterans are cared for, and workforce is strong and capable.
In an effort to maintain transparency with you, we are sharing our actions and plans with you, so that you can be better prepared and make informed decisions. In the coming days or weeks, our staff will be will be reaching out to you regarding your appointments and your care options during the COVID-19 emergency. Some options will include Telehealth services, access to “My healtheVET” or the option to postpone or reschedule certain types of appointments. Our emergency services will remain open 24/7
We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to resolve the ever-changing challenges that come with our aggressive preventative efforts.
Entrance and Exit Restrictions - Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center
We have a total of 5 designated entrances and exits at the Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center campus.
Open from 6 AM - 6 PM, Monday through Friday
- Bldg. 126 ("The Tower")
- Bldg. 2
- Bldg. 150
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- Bldg. 164 (Primary Care)
- Bldg. 128 (Mental Health)
Mandatory COVID-19 screening is conducted at each of these entrances. All Veterans, visitors, and staff are asked the following questions:
- Are you currently experiencing flu-like symptoms such as fever, dry cough, or shortness of breath?
- In the last 14 days, have you traveled internationally?
- In the last 14 days, have you been in close contact with someone who has tested positive or has been exposed to a positive case of COVID-19?
Postponed Community Events
You have most likely seen organizations, groups, and major events postponing their gatherings. VA Long Beach is no exception to the massive effort to decrease transmission through social distancing. We, too, are working to "flatten the curve."
We are postponing all events to which we have invited the community.
Protecting our Inpatient Veterans and Residents
Our first and most aggressive actions have been taken to ensure the safety of those Veterans that are inpatient in our hospital, including our Spinal Cord Injury and Disorder Center and Community Living Center, as those populations are the most vulnerable.
Due to the need to restrict as much exposure from the outside to our residents as possible, visitor hours have been restricted to the following:
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Inpatient visitor hours: 6 AM - 6 PM Monday through Friday
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CLC, SCI, and M1 Residents: Visitor hours have been postponed until further notice. For exceptions, VA Long Beach care teams will reach out directly to families.
Resources for Our Veterans
The COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak has the potential to increase stress and anxiety, both because of the fear of catching the virus and because of uncertainty about how the outbreak will affect us socially and economically. There are steps you can take to manage stress and improve your wellbeing.
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Routine Medical Visits
Call Before Visiting
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough and shortness of breath, are asked to call the Nurse Advice Line at 877-252-4866 before visiting. In the event of a medical emergency, please dial 9-1-1.
Moving Forward
We will continue to do our best to keep you informed aware of actions that will impact our normal operations, but we also ask for your understanding and patience as we work through the COVID-19 risk.
Keep an eye for updates on our website. If you have yet to do so, consider following our Facebook.
We thank you for your patience and continued support of our mission.
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