Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fact Sheets, Updates and Visitor Restrictions

We continue to monitor the COVID-19 and implement plans to help prevent the spread and flatten the curve of the outbreak.  As you are aware, the Battle Creek VA Medical Center has already implemented screening checkpoints and restricted visitors to our Community Living Center and Geriatric Mental Health Unit except for palliative care.  To ensure consistency with the local community hospital based on the Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s signed Executive Order 2020-7, clarifying details about entry restrictions on care facilities amid the Coronavirus Disease 2019 outbreak, we are implementing the following additional steps today. 

• We are restricting visitation to all Community Living Center, inpatient and residential treatment units except for those medically necessary or for Veterans in palliative care. 
• For outpatient appointments, we are proactively calling to see if the care is appropriate to be done virtually.  We are not cancelling appointments for Veterans who need to be seen. 
• Veterans should come to the appointments by themselves unless it is medically necessary to have someone accompany them. 

Here are some useful fact sheets to help you and your family:

Coronavirus Fact Sheet
Home isolation prevention steps for COVID-19

Additionally, everyone should continue to do these things:

• If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, call your health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider, call the nearest hospital.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
• Replace handshakes with elbow bumps.
• Stay at least 6 feet away from others when in a public setting.