To stop exposure and the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), all VA facilities in Southeastern North Carolina have implemented the following limitations until further notice: 

Face-to-Face Appointment Update

We have been actively planning our phased approach for reopening face-to-face services that were put on hold to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the early stages of the pandemic. Due to the increased cases of COVID-19 in Southeastern North Carolina, our facilities are not ready to resume face-to-face services just yet.
 
Reopening criteria that align with VA, federal, state, and the White House must be met before reintroducing selected services, such as a decline in COVID-19 for 14 days. Unfortunately, we are not there in our region yet.
Once we have met the reopening criteria, we will start reopening services in a phased approach.
 
In the meantime, we are actively learning and watching other VA facilities that are reopening sooner. Facility leadership will continue to keep Veterans informed about when it is safe for the facility to begin expanding care. Safe care is our mission and our continuing commitment to every Veteran every time.

We encourage our Veterans to call the call center or email their primary care team via secure messaging on MyHealtheVet to schedule a telehealth appointment to review their needs. 
 

UPDATE*** COVID-19 Screening and Manditory Masking:

• All individuals that enter any VA facility are required to wear a face mask, and will be pre-screened for COVID19. To include Veterans, employees, visitors, volunteers, and contractors.
• No entry of anyone who is ill with seasonal flu or COVID-19 symptoms, including: fever, shortness of breath, coughing.
• Individuals suspect of COVID19 will be redirected to a secondary screening outside the facility to determine the next clinical steps. 

If you have symptoms of COV19 (Fever +100.4, Cough, Shortness of Breath):

• Stay at home and call the Clinical Contact Center at 1-800-771-6106 and press 2. Clinical staff is available to provide 24/7 virtual care and support, including nurse advice and triage.
• NOTE****If you are experiencing extreme respiratory symptoms, call 911, and contact 1-800-771-6106 (press 2) within 72 hours of emergency admission.

 
If you have been in contact with a person who has COVID19:

• Contact your primary care team or the Clinical Contact Center at 1-800-771-6106 and press 2 to talk to our clinical staff for a virtual consultation – before coming into the facility.

Visitors Guidelines:

• No visitors will are permitted for our high-risk patients in the community living center. Virtual visits with family members are available. 
• No visitors are permitted for anyone under the age of 18.
• Inpatient visitors are limited to one support person per day. 
• Patients who require assistance due to mobility, interpretation, or health care decision making may have one additional support person.
• Urgent Care patients may have one support person.
• Surgical or procedural patients may have one support person.
• Visitor exceptions are made for end-of-life situations and other exceptional circumstances and will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Appointments/Procedures:

• Avoid coming into the hospital for any unnecessary check-ups or visits.
• Nonessential surgical procedures will be postponed until the coronavirus is better controlled nationwide. Staff is calling patients to discuss their care plan.
• Currently, we are not rescheduling nonessential appointments, however, we are HIGHLY encouraging patients with upcoming appointment, if possible, to meet with their providers virtually by either phone or VA video connect. This will limit unnecessary exposure for both staff and patients. Patients can change their appointment from face-to-face to a virtual appointment by calling the Call Center at 1-800-771-6106 or by sending a secure message on MyHealtheVet.

Medication Refill:

• To limit exposure, get your prescription refills by mail by doing any of the following:
• Use MyHealtheVet (www.myhealth.va.gov)
• Call center: 1-800-771-6106
• Local pharmacy line: 910-488-2120, ext: 5702 (Mon-Fri from 8-4:30)
• If you are out of medication and refills, please call the call center for assistance at 1-800-771-6106.

CDCs recommendations on preparation and prevention, especially high-risk patients over 65 years old:

• Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home and will need supplies.
• Have enough household items and groceries on-hand. Consider having someone get the supplies you need that is not a high-risk patient.
• Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others (6ft is recommended).
• When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact, and wash your hands often for 20 seconds.
• Avoid crowds as much as possible (ten people are less).
• Avoid cruise travel and nonessential air travel. 

VA Employees:

• All employees are 100 percent screened for COVID19.
• If employees have been exposed to COVID19 they should seek consolation from occupational health and/or their CBOC nurse manager for further guidance on work status.
• Employees that have symptoms of a fever with cough or fever with shortness of breath will immediately cease patient care activities, don a facemask (if not already wearing), and notify their supervisor or occupational health services prior to leaving work. Employees will seek medical attention with their provider. If COVID19 testing is positive, a 14-day quarantine will be implemented before returning to work.