COVID-19 Update
(August 20, 2020)

Veterans who have symptoms of COVID-19 such as a fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing that’s new or getting worse, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of smell or taste, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, current runny nose or nasal congestion or have had contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, should contact VA Puget Sound before coming to one of our care sites for a scheduled visit. This can be done by sending a secure message through My HealtheVet or by calling 1-800-329-8387. This helps VA Puget Sound protect our Veterans, medical staff, and other patients.

All Health Care Sites

We continue our phased approach to safely and responsibly resume services that have been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In accordance with federal and state guidelines, our risk-based framework prioritizes patient health needs, staff safety and resource considerations to guide our expansion, scheduling decisions and timeline.

The first phase impacts VA Puget Sound’s American Lake and Seattle campuses as well at its VA-operated Community Based Outpatient Clinics in Mount Vernon, Port Angeles and Silverdale. It includes restarting prioritized medical and surgical care, on top of the emergent, urgent and telehealth (primary and some specialty) care we’ve continued to provide throughout the pandemic. Subsequent phases would further expand total patients and services.

We will proactively contact Veterans to make appointments, so our policy of no walk-in patients outside of emergent care needs remains in place. If you have health care concerns, please first call us at 1-800-329-8387 or reach out to your primary care team.

Patient and staff safety remain paramount, so should challenges arise that impact our coordinated, phased restart at any point, we can dial back services to protect and provide the highest standards of care. And our rigorous safety measures remain in place:

100% screening for signs of COVID-19 infection. Staff and Veterans can reduce time in the screening line by using our online screening tool: www.va.gov/covid19screen
100% use of approved face masks for everyone entering and inside any of our care sites (if you don’t have one, we will provide you with one).
100% physical distancing.
No walk-in patients outside of emergent care needs.
No routine visitors.

• Inpatient Visits:

• Outpatient Visits:

Þ Patients can bring one person as an escort if they are needed to navigate the care system.

• Approved Visitors:

• No visitors under 18 allowed, with one exception: American Lake’s Child Care Center.
• Do not leave unaccompanied minors outside during your visit.
• 100% environmental cleaning recommendations as outlined by the CDC.

We continue to maximize personalized virtual care options. We know these services have been a valuable link to our Veterans during this challenging time, providing increased access to care regardless of where you live. Here are some examples of ways you can access care from home:

• Telephone or Video Appointments: Receive care at home—either over the phone or via video using VA Video Connect on your computers, smartphones or tablets. To set up virtual appointments, send your health care team a secure message on My HealtheVet by visiting myhealth.va.gov. While Veterans may also call us at 1-800-329-8387, VA is requesting that Veterans only call with urgent needs at this time. To learn more about VA Video Connect, visit mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect.
• Prescription Refills: Veterans can request prescription refills, order and ship medications home using My HealtheVet or Rx Refill mobile app. Download the app at mobile.va.gov/app/rx-refill.
• Secure Messaging: With a free My HealtheVet Premium account, Veterans can send secure messages to their health care team online to ask non-urgent health questions, request referrals and send updates about medical conditions. Other tools and services available to Veterans with the Premium account include, ability to access health records, view military service information and ability to join video visits using the VA Appointments tools. There are two ways to register, online or in-person at a VA facility. With the threat of COVID-19, the in-person option has been suspended.

To upgrade online using a VA HealtheVet sign-in partner (DS Logon and ID.me), follow these steps:

• From the My HealtheVet sign in page, sign in to your Advanced My HealtheVet account using a sign-in partner
• Select the Upgrade Now button.
• Check the certification box to verify account owner
• Select Continue
• Check the Accept My HealtheVet Terms & Conditions box
• Select Continue to complete the upgrade

 Facility-Specific Information - no updates


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New coronavirus (COVID-19) updates/facility changes called out in blue below.  Updates are not generated if there are no additional changes. The last update reflects our active operational status. No need to look at earlier versions as each update summarizes all active changes underway. For the latest information about VA's overall response to COVID-19, visit the VA's website.

COVID-19 Update
(July 23, 2020)

Veterans who have symptoms of COVID-19 such as a fever, cough, and shortness of breath, should contact VA Puget Sound before going to a clinic, urgent care, or emergency room. This can be done by sending a secure message through My HealtheVet or by calling 1-800-329-8387. This helps VA Puget Sound protect our Veterans, medical staff, and other patients.

All Health Care Sites

We continue our phased approach to safely and responsibly resume services that have been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In accordance with federal and state guidelines, our risk-based framework prioritizes patient health needs, staff safety and resource considerations to guide our expansion, scheduling decisions and timeline.

The first phase impacts VA Puget Sound’s American Lake and Seattle campuses as well at its VA-operated Community Based Outpatient Clinics in Mount Vernon, Port Angeles and Silverdale. It includes restarting prioritized medical and surgical care, on top of the emergent, urgent and telehealth (primary and some specialty) care we’ve continued to provide throughout the pandemic. Subsequent phases would further expand total patients and services.

We will proactively contact Veterans to make appointments, so our policy of no walk-in patients outside of emergent care needs remains in place. If you have health care concerns, please first call us at 1-800-329-8387 or reach out to your primary care team.

Patient and staff safety remain paramount, so should challenges arise that impact our coordinated, phased restart at any point, we can dial back services to protect and provide the highest standards of care. And our rigorous safety measures remain in place:

• 100% screening for signs of COVID-19 infection. Staff and Veterans can reduce time in the screening line by using our online screening tool: www.va.gov/covid19screen
• 100% use of face covering for everyone entering and inside any of our care sites (if you don’t have one, we’ll provide).
• 100% physical distancing and environmental cleaning recommendations as outlined by the CDC.
• No visitors. (If you require an escort, please contact your care team in advance.)

We continue to maximize personalized virtual care options. We know these services have been a valuable link to our Veterans during this challenging time, providing increased access to care regardless of where you live. Here are some examples of ways you can access care from home:

• Telephone or Video Appointments: Receive care at home—either over the phone or via video using VA Video Connect on your computers, smartphones or tablets. To set up virtual appointments, send your health care team a secure message on My HealtheVet by visiting myhealth.va.gov. While Veterans may also call us at 1-800-329-8387, VA is requesting that Veterans only call with urgent needs at this time. To learn more about VA Video Connect, visit mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect.
• Prescription Refills: Veterans can request prescription refills, order and ship medications home using My HealtheVet or Rx Refill mobile app. Download the app at mobile.va.gov/app/rx-refill.
• Secure Messaging: With a free My HealtheVet Premium account, Veterans can send secure messages to their health care team online to ask non-urgent health questions, request referrals and send updates about medical conditions. Other tools and services available to Veterans with the Premium account include, ability to access health records, view military service information and ability to join video visits using the VA Appointments tools. There are two ways to register, online or in-person at a VA facility. With the threat of COVID-19, the in-person option has been suspended.

To upgrade online using a VA HealtheVet sign-in partner (DS Logon and ID.me), Veterans should follow these steps:

• From the My HealtheVet sign in page, sign in to your Advanced My HealtheVet account using a sign-in partner
• Select the Upgrade Now button.
• Check the certification box to verify account owner
• Select Continue
• Check the Accept My HealtheVet Terms & Conditions box
• Select Continue to complete the upgrade
  

Facility-Specific Information

• American Lake Campus: No updates
• Seattle Campus:
  • Main entrance will be closed for construction the weekend of July 25-26.  Employees/patients will need to enter thru the South entrance starting at 5:30 p.m. Friday 7/24 thru 6 a.m. Monday 7/27. Patients seeking care in the Emergency Department will be allowed to access the ED by the side entrance. 
• CBOC-specific information: No update
• Other Sites: No updates

 

 

New coronavirus (COVID-19) updates/facility changes called out in blue below.  Updates are not generated if there are no additional changes. The last update reflects our active operational status. No need to look at earlier versions as each update summarizes all active changes underway. For the latest information about VA's overall response to COVID-19, visit the VA's website.

COVID-19 Update
(June 23, 2020)

Veterans who have symptoms of COVID-19 such as a fever, cough, and shortness of breath, should contact VA Puget Sound before going to a clinic, urgent care, or emergency room. This can be done by sending a secure message through My HealtheVet or by calling 1-800-329-8387. This helps VA Puget Sound protect our Veterans, medical staff, and other patients.

Phased Approach to the Safe & Responsible Return of Services

We continue our phased approach to safely and responsibly resume services that have been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In accordance with federal and state guidelines, our risk-based framework prioritizes patient health needs, staff safety and resource considerations to guide our expansion, scheduling decisions and timeline.

The first phase impacts VA Puget Sound’s American Lake and Seattle campuses as well at its VA-operated Community Based Outpatient Clinics in Mount Vernon, Port Angeles and Silverdale. It includes restarting prioritized medical and surgical care, on top of the emergent, urgent and telehealth (primary and some specialty) care we’ve continued to provide throughout the pandemic. Subsequent phases would further expand total patients and services.

We will proactively contact Veterans to make appointments, so our policy of no walk-in patients outside of emergent care needs remains in place. If you have health care concerns, please first call us at 1-800-329-8387 or reach out to your primary care team.

Patient and staff safety remain paramount, so should challenges arise that impact our coordinated, phased restart at any point, we can dial back services to protect and provide the highest standards of care. And our rigorous safety measures remain in place:

• 100% screening for signs of COVID-19 infection.
• 100% use of face covering for everyone entering and inside any of our care sites (if you don’t have one, we’ll provide).
• 100% physical distancing and environmental cleaning recommendations as outlined by the CDC.
• No visitors (to include children)

We continue to maximize personalized virtual care options. We know these services have been a valuable link to our Veterans during this challenging time, providing increased access to care regardless of where you live. Here are some examples of the many ways you can access care from home:

• Telephone or Video Appointments: Veterans can receive care at home — either over the phone or via video using VA Video Connect on their computers, smartphones or tablets. To set up telephone or video appointments, Veterans can send their health care team a secure message on My HealtheVet by visiting myhealth.va.gov. While Veterans may also call VA Puget Sound at 1-800-329-8387, VA is requesting that Veterans only call with urgent needs at this time. To learn more about VA Video Connect, visit mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect.
• Prescription Refills: Veterans can request prescription refills and order and ship medications to their homes using My HealtheVet or the Rx Refill mobile app. Download the app at mobile.va.gov/app/rx-refill.
• Secure Messaging: With a free My HealtheVet Premium account, Veterans can send secure messages to their VA Puget Sound health care team online to ask non-urgent health questions, request referrals and send updates about medical conditions. Other tools and services available to Veterans with the Premium account include, ability to access health records, view military service information and ability to join video visits using the VA Appointments tools.   There are two ways to register, online or in-person at a VA facility. With the threat of COVID-19, the in-person option has been suspended.

To upgrade online using a VA HealtheVet sign-in partner (DS Logon and ID.me), Veterans should follow these steps:

• From the My HealtheVet sign in page, sign in to your Advanced My HealtheVet account using a sign-in partner
• Select the Upgrade Now button.
• Check the certification box to verify account owner
• Select Continue
• Check the Accept My HealtheVet Terms & Conditions box
• Select Continue to complete the upgrade

 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

New Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates/facility changes called out in blue below.  Updates are not generated if there are no additional changes. The last update reflects our active operational status. No need to look at earlier versions as each update summarizes all active changes underway. For the latest information about VA's overall response to COVID-19, visit the VA's website.

If you have a fever, coughing, and shortness of breath, call your VA medical center before going to a clinic, urgent care, or emergency room. You can also send your doctor a secure message through My HealtheVet. Contacting us first helps us protect you, medical staff, and other patients. Visit the CDC to learn more about the symptoms of COVID-19 and steps you should take if you are sick.  To reschedule or convert a clinic appointment to a virtual one, call us at 1-800-329-8387 extension 71234, call your primary care team or use My HealtheVet.

COVID-19 Update
(May 20, 2020)

Phased Approach to the Safe & Responsible Return of Services

VA Puget Sound Health Care System is beginning our phased approach to safely and responsibly resume services that have been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In accordance with federal and state guidelines, our risk-based framework prioritizes patient health needs, staff safety and resource considerations to guide our expansion, scheduling decisions and timeline.

As we restart services, visits by guests and Veterans without appointments or valid medical needs (e.g., emergency care, pharmacy pick-up) continue to be suspended. We will proactively contact Veterans to make appointments under the reintroduction of services, so no walk-ins please unless it is for emergency care. Other COVID-19 policies to include no visitors and other precautions outlined in VA Puget Sound remain in place.

Our measured, phased-in approach will be supported by our continued robust, multi-level screening and testing (as needed) of patients, visitors and staff, physical distancing, universal face masks for all individuals entering and inside our care sites and other safety measures to mitigate the risk of spreading the virus. 

The first phase impacts VA Puget Sound’s American Lake and Seattle campuses as well at its VA-operated Community Based Outpatient Clinics in Mount Vernon, Port Angles and Silverdale. It includes restarting prioritized medical and surgical care, on top of the emergent, urgent and telehealth (primary and some specialty) care we’ve continued to provide throughout the pandemic. Subsequent phases would further expand total patients and services. 

Patient and staff safety remain paramount, so should challenges arise that impact our coordinated, phased restart at any point, VA Puget sound can dial back services to protect and provide the highest standards of care. 

Patients interested in receiving non-urgent care should are advised to call or send their Patient Aligned Care Team a secure message through My HealtheVet or call our appointment line at 800-329-8387, extension 71234.

All Health Care Sites

• All individuals (patients, visitors, employees & contractors) entering and inside our facilities are required to use a face mask for source control based on CDC guidance. If you arrive without one, we will provide you one.
• Ongoing robust, multi-level screening and testing (as needed) of patients, visitors and staff at our care sites to mitigate the risk of spreading the virus continues. Patients should allow for extra time to get to appointments.
• Visits by guests and Veterans without appointments or valid medical needs continue to be suspended until COVID-19 is no longer a threat. We are committed to working with family members and friends to support those exceptions, while minimizing risk.
• Our Occupational Health Team and Infection Prevention teams continue to collaborate closely with all local health jurisdictions to execute our robust surveillance and contact tracing based on CDC guidance.
• We continue to postpone elective surgery cases in which a delay will not negatively impact patient outcomes (both inpatient and outpatient).
• Continue to offer virtual primary care (some specialty care) visits.
• Children 12 and under not permitted at this time, with one exception: American Lake’s Child Care Center.
• Voluntary Service has suspended all Volunteer participation.

American Lake & Seattle Campus:

• Extended retail store hours on Thursdays (only), beginning at 11 p.m.
• Gyms and barber shops closed.
• No in-person dining at Veteran Canteen Service PatriotCafé Food Court — only take-out services.

 Seattle:

• Veteran Canteen Service PatriotCafé extending service on Thursdays from 11 p.m., in additional to regular hours.
• Patient/visitor screening/entrances: Radiation Oncology, Women’s Health, Building 100 main entrance, Building 101.
• Patients and visitors are being asked to park in the multi-level Veteran’s parking garage.
• Centralized employee screening at South Entrance Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.; after hours and on weekends, staff must use Main Entrance. This remains a staff-only entrance; closed on weekends.
• Staff shuttle service to/from Federal Center South parking lot is suspended due to lack of ridership.
• Veteran Canteen Services PatriotBrew Coffee Shop open 6 to 10 a.m. Monday-Friday; closed on the weekends.
• Patient Shuttle from South Entrance (Building 1) to Main Entrance (Building 100) available every 5-10 minutes.
• Fisher House is limiting guest check-ins at night and weekends. All referrals for Fisher House will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

American Lake (Lakewood):

• Urgent Care Clinic closed due to lack of patient demand during pandemic. Patients needing urgent care can visit www.va.gov/find-locations/ to find in-network providers.
• Centralized, drive-thru Veteran/employee screening Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Limited clinical services (appointments only) during weekends.
• Veteran Canteen Services (food and retail) closed on weekends.

Community Based Outpatient Clinics & Other Facilities:

• Mobile Medical Unit outpatient visits suspended. The MMU fleet (two) will be available to expand COVID-19 testing when lab and logistics capacity are available.

 

COVID-19 Update
(May 15, 2020)

All Health Care Sites

• All individuals (patients, visitors, employees & contractors) entering and inside our facilities are required to use a face mask for source control based on CDC guidance. If you arrive without one, we will provide you one.
• Ongoing robust, multi-level screening and testing (as needed) of patients, visitors and staff at our care sites to mitigate the risk of spreading the virus continues. Patients should allow for extra time to get to appointments.
• Our Occupational Health Team and Infection Prevention teams continue to collaborate closely with all local health jurisdictions to execute our robust surveillance and contact tracing based on CDC guidance.
• Visits by guests and Veterans without appointments or valid medical needs continue to be suspended until COVID-19 is no longer a threat. We are committed to working with family members and friends to support those exceptions, while minimizing risk.
• We continue to postpone elective surgery cases in which a delay will not negatively impact patient outcomes (both inpatient and outpatient).
• Continue to offer virtual primary care (some specialty care) visits.
• Children 12 and under not permitted at this time, with one exception: American Lake’s Child Care Center.
• Voluntary Service has suspended all Volunteer participation.

American Lake & Seattle Campus:

• NEW: Extended retail store hours on Thursdays (only), beginning at 11 p.m.
• Gyms and barber shops closed.
• No in-person dining at Veteran Canteen Service PatriotCafé Food Court — only take-out services.

 Seattle:

• NEW:  From Friday, May 15 at 4 p.m. to Monday, May 18 at 5 a.m. the main entrance will be closed due to a flooring replacement project in main entrance. During this time, only ED patients will be able to enter through the front entrance. All others (i.e., Veterans with non-emergent needs, staff and visitors) will be required to enter through the South Entrance. 
• Veteran Canteen Service PatriotCafé extending service on Thursdays from 11 p.m., in additional to regular hours.
• Patient/visitor screening/entrances: Radiation Oncology, Women’s Health, Building 100 main entrance, Building 101.
• Patients and visitors are being asked to park in the multi-level Veteran’s parking garage.
• Centralized employee screening at South Entrance Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.; after hours and on weekends, staff must use Main Entrance. This remains a staff-only entrance; closed on weekends.
• Staff shuttle service to/from Federal Center South parking lot is suspended due to lack of ridership.
• Veteran Canteen Services PatriotBrew Coffee Shop open 6 to 10 a.m. Monday-Friday; closed on the weekends.
• Patient Shuttle from South Entrance (Building 1) to Main Entrance (Building 100) available every 5-10 minutes.
• Fisher House is limiting guest check-ins at night and weekends. All referrals for Fisher House will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

American Lake (Lakewood):

• Urgent Care Clinic closed due to lack of patient demand during pandemic. Patients needing urgent care can visit www.va.gov/find-locations/ to find in-network providers.
• Centralized, drive-thru Veteran/employee screening Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Limited clinical services (appointments only) during weekends.
• Veteran Canteen Services (food and retail) closed on weekends.

Community Based Outpatient Clinics & Other Facilities:

• Mobile Medical Unit outpatient visits suspended. The MMU fleet (two) will be available to expand COVID-19 testing when lab and logistics capacity are available.

 

COVID-19 Update
(May 5, 2020)

All Health Care Sites

• NEW: Effective May 7, all individuals (patients, visitors, employees & contractors) entering and inside our facilities are required to use a face mask for source control based on CDC guidance. If you arrive without one, we will provide you one.
• Ongoing robust, multi-level screening and testing (as needed) of patients, visitors and staff at our care sites to mitigate the risk of spreading the virus continues. Patients should allow for extra time to get to appointments.
• Our Occupational Health Team and Infection Prevention teams continue to collaborate closely with all local health jurisdictions to execute our robust surveillance and contact tracing based on CDC guidance.
• Visits by guests and Veterans without appointments or valid medical needs continue to be suspended until COVID-19 is no longer a threat. We are committed to working with family members and friends to support those exceptions, while minimizing risk.
• We continue to postpone elective surgery cases in which a delay will not negatively impact patient outcomes (both inpatient and outpatient).
• Continue to offer virtual primary care (some specialty care) visits.
• Children 12 and under not permitted at this time, with one exception: American Lake’s Child Care Center.
• Voluntary Service has suspended all Volunteer participation.

American Lake & Seattle Campus:

• Gyms and barber shops closed.
• No in-person dining at Veteran Canteen Service PatriotCafé Food Court — only take-out services.

 Seattle:

• Veteran Canteen Service PatriotCafé extending service on Thursdays from 11 p.m., in additional to regular hours.
• Patient/visitor screening/entrances: Radiation Oncology, Women’s Health, Building 100 main entrance, Building 101.
• Patients and visitors are being asked to park in the multi-level Veteran’s parking garage.
• Centralized employee screening at South Entrance Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.; after hours and on weekends, staff must use Main Entrance. This remains a staff-only entrance; closed on weekends.
• Staff shuttle service to/from Federal Center South parking lot is suspended due to lack of ridership.
• Veteran Canteen Services PatriotBrew Coffee Shop open 6 to 10 a.m. Monday-Friday; closed on the weekends.
• Patient Shuttle from South Entrance (Building 1) to Main Entrance (Building 100) available every 5-10 minutes.
• Fisher House is limiting guest check-ins at night and weekends. All referrals for Fisher House will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

American Lake (Lakewood):

• NEW: Urgent care suspended due to lack of patient demand during pandemic. Patients needing urgent care can visit www.va.gov/find-locations/ to find in-network providers.
• Centralized, drive-thru Veteran/employee screening Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Limited clinical services (appointments only) during weekends.
• Veteran Canteen Services (food and retail) closed on weekends.

Community Based Outpatient Clinics & Other Facilities:

• Mobile Medical Unit outpatient visits suspended. The MMU fleet (two) will be available to expand COVID-19 testing when lab and logistics capacity are available.

 

COVID-19 Update
(April 29, 2020)

All Health Care Sites

• Ongoing robust, multi-level screening and testing (as needed) of patients, visitors and staff at our care sites to mitigate the risk of spreading the virus continues. Patients should allow for extra time to get to appointments.
• Our Occupational Health Team and Infection Prevention teams continue to collaborate closely with all local health jurisdictions to execute our robust surveillance and contact tracing based on CDC guidance.
• Visits by guests and Veterans without appointments or valid medical needs continue to be suspended until COVID-19 is no longer a threat. We are committed to working with family members and friends to support those exceptions, while minimizing risk.
• We continue to postpone elective surgery cases in which a delay will not negatively impact patient outcomes (both inpatient and outpatient).
• Continue to offer virtual primary care (some specialty care) visits.
• Children 12 and under not permitted at this time, with one exception: American Lake’s Child Care Center.
• Voluntary Service has suspended all Volunteer participation. 

American Lake & Seattle Campus:

• Gyms and barber shops closed.
• No in-person dining at Veteran Canteen Service PatriotCafé Food Court — only take-out services.

 Seattle:

• NEW: Veteran Canteen Service PatriotCafé extending service on Thursdays from 11 p.m., in additional to regular hours.
• Patient/visitor screening/entrances: Radiation Oncology, Women’s Health, Building 100 main entrance, Building 101.
• Patients and visitors are being asked to park in the multi-level Veteran’s parking garage.
• Centralized employee screening at South Entrance Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.; after hours and on weekends, staff must use Main Entrance. This remains a staff-only entrance; closed on weekends.
• Staff shuttle service to/from Federal Center South parking lot is suspended due to lack of ridership.
• Veteran Canteen Services PatriotBrew Coffee Shop open 6 to 10 a.m. Monday-Friday; closed on the weekends.
• Patient Shuttle from South Entrance (Building 1) to Main Entrance (Building 100) available every 5-10 minutes.
• Fisher House is limiting guest check-ins at night and weekends. All referrals for Fisher House will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

American Lake (Lakewood):

• Centralized, drive-thru Veteran/employee screening Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Limited clinical services (appointments only) during weekends.
• Veteran Canteen Services (food and retail) closed on weekends.

Community Based Outpatient Clinics & Other Facilities:

• Mobile Medical Unit outpatient visits suspended. The MMU fleet (two) will be available to expand COVID-19 testing when lab and logistics capacity are available.

For more information about COVID-19 visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

 

 

COVID-19 Update
(April 8, 2020)

All Health Care Sites

• Screening of Veterans, visitors and staff with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath who meet the CDC criteria for evaluation of COVID-19 infection continues across are VA Puget Sound sites of care. All patients should allow for extra time to get to appointments with the required screening.
• Visits by guests and Veterans without appointments or valid medical needs suspended until the transmission of COVID-19 is no longer a threat to our Veterans and staff. We are committed to working with family members and friends to support those exceptions, while minimizing risk. For more details: https://www.pugetsound.va.gov/features/COVID_19_Notice_restricted_visitation.asp
• Canceled elective surgery cases in which a delay will not negatively impact patient outcomes (both inpatient and outpatient) March 16 through April 15, 2020.  
• Primary care shifting to virtual visits only (no face-to-face). We continue to proactively contacting patients to offer options to convert clinic appointments to virtual ones. 
• Children 12 and under not permitted at this time, with one exception: American Lake’s Child Care Center.
• Voluntary Service has suspended all Volunteer participation.

Facility-specific changes:

American Lake & Seattle Campus:

• Gyms and barber shops closed.
• No in-person dining at Veteran Canteen Service PatriotCafé Food Court — only take-out services.

 Seattle:

• NEW: Centralized employee screening at South Entrance (Building 1) now Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; after hours and on weekend staff must use Main Entrance. South entrances remains a staff-only entrance Monday to Friday; closed on weekends.
• Staff shuttle service to/from Federal Center South parking lot is suspended due to lack of ridership.
• Patient/visitor screening/entrances: Radiation Oncology, Women’s Health, Building 100 main entrance, Building 101.
• Patients and visitors are being asked to park in the multi-level Veteran’s parking garage.
• Patient Shuttle from South Entrance (Building 1) to Main Entrance (Building 100) available every 5-10 minutes.
• Fisher House will be limiting guest check-ins at night and weekends. All referrals for Fisher House will be reviewed on a case by case basis. 
• Veteran Canteen Services PatriotBrew Coffee Shop open 6 to 10 a.m. Monday-Friday; closed on the weekends.

American Lake (Lakewood):

• Centralized, drive-thru Veteran/employee screening Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Employee testing (by appointment only) now available.
• Limited clinical services (appointments only) during weekends.
• Veteran Canteen Services (food and retail) closed on weekends.

Community Based Outpatient Clinics & Other Facilities:

• Mobile Medical Unit outpatient visits suspended. The MMU fleet (two) will be available to expand COVID-19 testing when lab and logistics capacity are available.

For more information about COVID-19 visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

 

COVID-19 Update
(April 2, 2020)

All Health Care Sites

• Screening of Veterans, visitors and staff with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath who meet the CDC criteria for evaluation of COVID-19 infection continues across are VA Puget Sound sites of care. All patients should allow for extra time to get to appointments with the required screening.
• Visits by guests and Veterans without appointments or valid medical needs suspended until the transmission of COVID-19 is no longer a threat to our Veterans and staff. We are committed to working with family members and friends to support those exceptions, while minimizing risk. For more details: https://www.pugetsound.va.gov/features/COVID_19_Notice_restricted_visitation.asp
• Canceled elective surgery cases in which a delay will not negatively impact patient outcomes (both inpatient and outpatient) March 16 through April 15, 2020.  
• Primary care shifting to virtual visits only (no face-to-face). We continue to proactively contacting patients to offer options to convert clinic appointments to virtual ones. 
• Children 12 and under not permitted at this time, with one exception: American Lake’s Child Care Center.
• Voluntary Service has suspended all Volunteer participation.

Facility-specific changes:

American Lake & Seattle Campus:

• Gyms and barber shops closed.
• No in-person dining at Veteran Canteen Service PatriotCafé Food Court — only take-out services.

 Seattle:

• NEW: Beginning April 3, staff shuttle service to/from Federal Center South parking lot is suspended due to lack of ridership.
• Patient/visitor screening/entrances: Radiation Oncology, Women’s Health, Building 100 main entrance, Building 101.
• Centralized employee screening at South Entrance (Building 1).
• Patients and visitors are being asked to park in the multi-level Veteran’s parking garage.
• Patient Shuttle from South Entrance (Building 1) to Main Entrance (Building 100) available every 5-10 minutes.
• Fisher House will be limiting guest check-ins at night and weekends. All referrals for Fisher House will be reviewed on a case by case basis. 
• Veteran Canteen Services PatriotBrew Coffee Shop open 6 to 10 a.m. Monday-Friday; closed on the weekends.
• South Entrance for staff-only Monday-Friday; closed on weekends.

American Lake (Lakewood):

• Centralized, drive-thru Veteran/employee screening Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Employee testing (by appointment only) now available.
• Limited clinical services (appointments only) during weekends.
• Veteran Canteen Services (food and retail) closed on weekends.

Community Based Outpatient Clinics & Other Facilities:

• Mobile Medical Unit outpatient visits suspended. The MMU fleet (two) will be available to expand COVID-19 testing when lab and logistics capacity are available.

For more information about COVID-19 visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

 

COVID-19 Update
(March 27, 2020)

All Health Care Sites

• NEW: Effective today, Voluntary Service is suspending all Volunteer participation.
• Screening of Veterans, visitors and staff with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath who meet the CDC criteria for evaluation of COVID-19 infection continues across are VA Puget Sound sites of care. All patients should allow for extra time to get to appointments with the required screening.
• Visits by guests and Veterans without appointments or valid medical needs suspended until the transmission of COVID-19 is no longer a threat to our Veterans and staff. We are committed to working with family members and friends to support those exceptions, while minimizing risk. For more details: https://www.pugetsound.va.gov/features/COVID_19_Notice_restricted_visitation.asp
• Canceled elective surgery cases in which a delay will not negatively impact patient outcomes (both inpatient and outpatient) March 16 through April 15, 2020.  
• Primary care shifting to virtual visits only (no face-to-face). We continue to proactively contacting patients to offer options to convert clinic appointments to virtual ones. 
• Children 12 and under not permitted at this time, with one exception: American Lake’s Child Care Center.

Facility-specific changes:

American Lake & Seattle Campus:

• Gyms and barber shops closed.
• No in-person dining at Veteran Canteen Service PatriotCafé Food Court — only take-out services.

 Seattle:

• Patient/visitor screening/entrances: Radiation Oncology, Women’s Health, Building 100 main entrance, Building 101.
• Centralized employee screening at South Entrance (Building 1).
• Patients and visitors are being asked to park in the multi-level Veteran’s parking garage.
• Patient Shuttle from South Entrance (Building 1) to Main Entrance (Building 100) available every 5-10 minutes.
• Fisher House will be limiting guest check-ins at night and weekends. All referrals for Fisher House will be reviewed on a case by case basis. 
• Veteran Canteen Services PatriotBrew Coffee Shop open 6 to 10 a.m. Monday-Friday; closed on the weekends.
• South Entrance for staff-only Monday-Friday; closed on weekends.

American Lake (Lakewood):

• Centralized, drive-thru Veteran/employee screening Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Employee testing (by appointment only) now available.
• Limited clinical services (appointments only) during weekends.
• Veteran Canteen Services (food and retail) closed on weekends.

Community Based Outpatient Clinics & Other Facilities:

• Mobile Medical Unit outpatient visits suspended. The MMU fleet (two) will be available to expand COVID-19 testing when lab and logistics capacity are available.

For more information about COVID-19 visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

 

COVID-19 Update
(March 24, 2020)

All Health Care Sites

• NEW: Primary care shifting to virtual visits only (no face-to-face).
• Screening of Veterans and visitors with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath who meet the CDC criteria for evaluation of COVID-19 infection continues across are VA Puget Sound sites of care. All patients should allow for extra time to get to appointments with the required screening.
• Visits by guests and Veterans without appointments or valid medical needs suspended until the transmission of COVID-19 is no longer a threat to our Veterans and staff. We are committed to working with family members and friends to support those exceptions, while minimizing risk. For more details: https://www.pugetsound.va.gov/features/COVID_19_Notice_restricted_visitation.asp
• Cancelling elective surgery cases in which a delay will not negatively impact patient outcomes (both inpatient and outpatient) March 16 through April 15, 2020.  
• Proactively contacting patients to offer options to convert clinic appointments to virtual ones. 
• Children 12 and under not permitted at this time, with one exception: American Lake’s Child Care Center.
• Screening of symptomatic employees underway.

Facility-specific changes:

American Lake & Seattle Campus:

• NEW: Barber shops closed.
• Gyms closed.
• Veteran Canteen Service PatriotCafé Food Courts will only provide take-out services, no in-person dining.

 Seattle:

• Patient/visitor screening/entrances: Radiation Oncology, Women’s Health, Building 100 main entrance, Building 101.
• Centralized employee screening at South Entrance (Building 1).
• Patients and visitors are being asked to park in the multi-level Veteran’s parking garage.
• Patient Shuttle from South Entrance (Building 1) to Main Entrance (Building 100) available every 5-10 minutes.
• Fisher House will be limiting guest check-ins at night and weekends. All referrals for Fisher House will be reviewed on a case by case basis. 
• Veteran Canteen Services PatriotBrew Coffee Shop open 6 to 10 a.m. Monday-Friday; closed on the weekends.
• South Entrance for staff-only Monday-Friday; closed on weekends.

American Lake (Lakewood):

• Centralized, drive-thru Veteran/employee screening Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Employee testing (by appointment only) now available.
• Limited clinical services (appointments only) during weekends.
• Audiology Clinic cancelled on Saturdays.
• Veteran Canteen Services (food and retail) closed on weekends.

Community Based Outpatient Clinics & Other Facilities:

• Mobile Medical Unit outpatient visits suspended. The MMU fleet (two) will be available to expand COVID-19 testing when lab and logistics capacity are available.

For more information about COVID-19 visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

COVID-19 Update
(March 23, 2020)

All Health Care Sites

• Screening of Veterans and visitors with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath who meet the CDC criteria for evaluation of COVID-19 infection continues across are VA Puget Sound sites of care. All patients should allow for extra time to get to appointments with the required screening.
• Visits by guests and Veterans without appointments or valid medical needs suspended until the transmission of COVID-19 is no longer a threat to our Veterans and staff. We are committed to working with family members and friends to support those exceptions, while minimizing risk. For more details: https://www.pugetsound.va.gov/features/COVID_19_Notice_restricted_visitation.asp
• Cancelling elective surgery cases in which a delay will not negatively impact patient outcomes (both inpatient and outpatient) March 16 through April 15, 2020.  
• Proactively contacting patients to offer options to convert clinic appointments to virtual ones. 
• Screening of symptomatic employees underway.
• Children 12 and under not permitted at this time, with one exception: American Lake’s Child Care Center.

Facility-specific changes:

American Lake & Seattle Campus:

• Gyms closed.
• Veteran Canteen Service PatriotCafé Food Courts will only provide take-out services, no in-person dining.

 Seattle:

• NEW: Centralized employee screening begins March 24 at South Entrance (Building 1).
• NEW: Veteran Canteen Services PatriotBrew Coffee Shop open 6 to 10 a.m. Monday-Friday; closed on the weekends.
• Patient/visitor screening/entrances: Radiation Oncology, Women’s Health, Building 100 main entrance, Building 101.
• South for staff-only entrance Monday-Friday; closed on weekends.
• Patient Shuttle from South Entrance (Building 1) to Main Entrance (Building 100) available every 5-10 minutes.
• Fisher House will be limiting guest check-ins at night and weekends. All referrals for Fisher House will be reviewed on a case by case basis. 
• Patients and visitors are being asked to park in the multi-level Veteran’s parking garage.

American Lake (Lakewood):

• NEW: Employee testing (by appointment only) now available.
• Centralized, drive-thru Veteran/employee screening Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Limited clinical services (appointments only) during weekends.
• Audiology Clinic cancelled on Saturdays.
• Veteran Canteen Services (food and retail) closed on weekends.

Community Based Outpatient Clinics & Other Facilities:

• NEW: Mobile Medical Unit outpatient visits suspended. The MMU fleet (two) will be available to expand COVID-19 testing when lab and logistics capacity are available.

For more information about COVID-19 visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

 

COVID-19 Update
(March 17, 2020)

All Health Care Sites

• Elective surgery cases in which a delay will not negatively impact patient outcomes (both inpatient and outpatient) are being cancelled through April 15, 2020.
• Proactively contacting patients to offer options to convert clinic appointments to virtual ones. 
• All routine visiting suspended until transmission of COVID-19 is no longer a threat to Veterans, staff and the community. Exceptions will be made in extreme cases and for hospice and palliative care. We are committed to working with family members and friends to support those exceptions, while minimizing risk.
• Screening of symptomatic employees underway.
• Screening of Veterans and visitors with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath who meet the CDC criteria for evaluation of COVID-19 infection continues across are VA Puget Sound sites of care.
• All patients should allow for extra time to get to appointments with the required screening.
• Children 12 and under not permitted at this time, with one exception: American Lake’s Child Care Center.
• Easy steps to take to help reduce the risk for getting infections such as COVID-19:
• Regularly wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60% + alcohol)
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Stay home if you are sick or becoming sick
• If coughing, cough into the inside of your elbow or sleeve
• In group settings, maintain a degree of space between others (3 feet)
• Reduce unnecessary social interaction
• If you have a clinic appointment and have a fever and cough, please call the VA first before arrival
• If you have a cough and fever and would like to be seen, please please call your health care team or send a secure message using My HealtheVet first for instruction or screening location

Facility-specific changes:

American Lake & Seattle Campus:

• Veteran Canteen Service PatriotCafé Food Courts will only provide take-out services, no in-person dining.

 Seattle:

• NEW: Fisher House will be limiting guest check-ins at night and weekends. All referrals for Fisher House will be reviewed on a case by case basis. 
• NEW: Staff gym closed.
• Veteran Canteen Services PatriotBrew Coffee Shop closed on the weekends.
• Patient/visitor entrances: Radiation Oncology, Women’s Health, Building 100 main entrance, Building 101.
• Patient Shuttle from South Entrance (Building 1) to Main Entrance (Building 100) available every 5-10 minutes.
• Patients and visitors are being asked to park in the multi-level Veteran’s parking garage.
• South entrance staff only (closed to patients) Monday to Friday, and closed on weekends. 

American Lake (Lakewood):

• Centralized screening (Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) of patients and staff.
• Limited clinical services (appointments only) during weekends.
• Audiology Clinic cancelled on Saturdays.
• Gym is closed to Veterans and staff.
• Community Living Center closed to volunteers and visitors (except in extreme cases). Please contact the health team in advance of visit.
• Veteran Canteen Services (food and retail) closed on Saturdays.

Community Based Outpatient Clinics & Other Facilities:

• No additional changes aside from those listed above that apply to all health care sites.

For more information about COVID-19 visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

COVID-19 Update
(March 16, 2020)

All Health Care Sites

• Cancelling elective surgery cases in which a delay will not negatively impact patient outcomes (both inpatient and outpatient) starting on Monday, March 16 through April 15, 2020.
• Proactively contacting patients to offer options to convert clinic appointments to virtual ones. 
• All routine visiting is being suspended until transmission of COVID-19 is no longer a threat to Veterans, staff and the community. Exceptions will be made In extreme cases and for hospice and palliative care. We are committed to working with family members and friends to support those exceptions, while minimizing risk.
• Screening of symptomatic employees underway.
• Screening of Veterans and visitors with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath who meet the CDC criteria for evaluation of COVID-19 infection continues across are VA Puget Sound sites of care.
• All patients should allow for extra time to get to appointments with the required screening.
• Children 12 and under not permitted at this time, with one exception: American Lake’s Child Care Center.
• Easy steps to take to help reduce the risk for getting infections such as COVID-19:
• Regularly wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60% + alcohol)
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Stay home if you are sick or becoming sick
• If coughing, cough into the inside of your elbow or sleeve
• In group settings, maintain a degree of space between others (3 feet)
• Reduce unnecessary social interaction
• If you have a clinic appointment and have a fever and cough, please call the VA first before arrival
• If you have a cough and fever and would like to be seen, please please call your health care team or send a secure message using My HealtheVet first for instruction or screening location

Facility-specific changes:

American Lake & Seattle Campus:

• NEW: Beginning March 16, Veteran Canteen Service PatriotCafé Food Courts will only provide take-out services, no in-person dining.

 Seattle:

• Veteran Canteen Services PatriotBrew Coffee Shop closed on the weekends.
• South entrance closed on weekends.
• Patient/visitor entrances: Radiation Oncology, Women’s Health, Building 100 main entrance, Building 101.
• South entrance closed to patients and visitors entering the building.
• Patient Shuttle from South Entrance (Building 1) to Main Entrance (Building 100) available every 5-10 minutes.
• Patients and visitors are being asked to park in the multi-level Veteran’s parking garage.
• Community Living Center, Spinal Cord Injury and Rehabilitation Care Services closed to volunteers and visitors (except in extreme cases). Visitors with extreme cases, please contact the health team in advance of visit.

American Lake (Lakewood):

• NEW: Beginning March 17, centralized screening (Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) expanded to include employees along with patients.
• Limited clinical services (appointments only) during weekends.
• Centralized, drive-thru screening begins March 13.
• Audiology Clinic cancelled on Saturdays.
• Gym is closed to avoid Veterans being exposed to crowds.
• Community Living Center closed to volunteers and visitors (except in extreme cases). Please contact the health team in advance of visit.
• Veteran Canteen Services (food and retail) closed on Saturdays.

Community Based Outpatient Clinics & Other Facilities:

• No additional changes aside from those listed above that apply to all health care sites.

For more information about COVID-19 visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

COVID-19 Update
(March 14, 2020)

All Health Care Sites

• Cancelling elective surgery cases in which a delay will not negatively impact patient outcomes (both inpatient and outpatient) starting on Monday, March 16 through April 15, 2020.
• Proactively contacting patients to offer options to convert clinic appointments to virtual ones. 
• All routine visiting is being suspended until transmission of COVID-19 is no longer a threat to Veterans, staff and the community. Exceptions will be made In extreme cases and for hospice and palliative care. We are committed to working with family members and friends to support those exceptions, while minimizing risk.
• Screening of symptomatic employees underway.
• Screening of Veterans and visitors with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath who meet the CDC criteria for evaluation of COVID-19 infection continues across are VA Puget Sound sites of care.
• All patients should allow for extra time to get to appointments with the required screening.
• Children 12 and under not permitted at this time, with one exception: American Lake’s Child Care Center.
• Easy steps to take to help reduce the risk for getting infections such as COVID-19:
• Regularly wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60% + alcohol)
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Stay home if you are sick or becoming sick
• If coughing, cough into the inside of your elbow or sleeve
• In group settings, maintain a degree of space between others (3 feet)
• Reduce unnecessary social interaction
• If you have a clinic appointment and have a fever and cough, please call the VA first before arrival
• If you have a cough and fever and would like to be seen, please please call your health care team or send a secure message using My HealtheVet first for instruction or screening location

New facility-specific changes:

 Seattle:

• NEW: Veteran Canteen Services PatriotBrew Coffee Shop closed on the weekends.
• South entrance closed on weekends.
• Patient/visitor entrances: Radiation Oncology, Women’s Health, Building 100 main entrance, Building 101.
• South entrance closed to patients and visitors entering the building.
• Patient Shuttle from South Entrance (Building 1) to Main Entrance (Building 100) available every 5-10 minutes.
• Patients and visitors are being asked to park in the multi-level Veteran’s parking garage.
• Community Living Center, Spinal Cord Injury and Rehabilitation Care Services closed to volunteers and visitors (except in extreme cases). Visitors with extreme cases, please contact the health team in advance of visit.

American Lake (Lakewood):

• Limited clinical services (appointments only) during weekends.
• Centralized, drive-thru screening begins March 13.
• Audiology Clinic cancelled on Saturdays.
• Gym is closed to avoid Veterans being exposed to crowds.
• Community Living Center closed to volunteers and visitors (except in extreme cases). Please contact the health team in advance of visit.
• Veteran Canteen Services (food and retail) closed on Saturdays.

Community Based Outpatient Clinics & Other Facilities:

• No additional changes aside from those listed above that apply to all health care sites.

For more information about COVID-19 visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

COVID-19 Update (March 13, 2020)

All Health Care Sites

• New: Cancelling elective surgery cases in which a delay will not negatively impact patient outcomes (both inpatient and outpatient) starting on Monday, March 16 through April 15, 2020.
• New: Proactively contacting patients to offer options to convert clinic appointments to virtual ones. 
• All routine visiting is being suspended until transmission of COVID-19 is no longer a threat to Veterans, staff and the community. Exceptions will be made In extreme cases and for hospice and palliative care. We are committed to working with family members and friends to support those exceptions, while minimizing risk.
• Screening of symptomatic employees underway.
• Screening of Veterans and visitors with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath who meet the CDC criteria for evaluation of COVID-19 infection continues across are VA Puget Sound sites of care.
• All patients should allow for extra time to get to appointments with the required screening.
• Children 12 and under not permitted at this time, with one exception: American Lake’s Child Care Center.
• Easy steps to take to help reduce the risk for getting infections such as COVID-19:
• Regularly wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60% + alcohol)
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Stay home if you are sick or becoming sick
• If coughing, cough into the inside of your elbow or sleeve
• In group settings, maintain a degree of space between others (3 feet)
• Reduce unnecessary social interaction
• If you have a clinic appointment and have a fever and cough, please call the VA first before arrival
• If you have a cough and fever and would like to be seen, please please call your health care team or send a secure message using My HealtheVet first for instruction or screening location

New facility-specific changes:

 Seattle:

• New: South entrance closed on weekends.
• Patient/visitor entrances: Radiation Oncology, Women’s Health, Building 100 main entrance, Building 101.
• South entrance closed to patients and visitors entering the building.
• Patient Shuttle from South Entrance (Building 1) to Main Entrance (Building 100) available every 5-10 minutes.
• Patients and visitors are being asked to park in the multi-level Veteran’s parking garage.
• Patient visitation ends at 6 p.m. (subject to change).
• Community Living Center, Spinal Cord Injury and Rehabilitation Care Services closed to volunteers and visitors (except in extreme cases). Visitors with extreme cases, please contact the health team in advance of visit.

American Lake (Lakewood):

• New: Limited clinical services during weekends.
• Centralized, drive-thru screening begins March 13.
• Audiology Clinic cancelled on Saturdays.
• Gym is closed to avoid Veterans being exposed to crowds.
• Community Living Center closed to volunteers and visitors (except in extreme cases). Please contact the health team in advance of visit.
• Veteran Canteen Services (food and retail) closed on Saturdays.

Community Based Outpatient Clinics & Other Facilities:

• No additional changes aside from those listed above that apply to all health care sites.

For more information about COVID-19 visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

 

COVID-19 Update (March 12, 2020)

All Health Care Sites

• New: All routine visiting is being suspended until transmission of COVID-19 is no longer a threat to Veterans, staff and the community. Exceptions will be made In extreme cases and for hospice and palliative care. We are committed to working with family members and friends to support those exceptions, while minimizing risk.
• New: Screening of symptomatic employees underway.
• Screening of Veterans and visitors with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath who meet the CDC criteria for evaluation of COVID-19 infection continues across are VA Puget Sound sites of care.
• All patients should allow for extra time to get to appointments with the required screening.
• Children 12 and under not permitted at this time, with one exception: American Lake’s Child Care Center.
• Easy steps to take to help reduce the risk for getting infections such as COVID-19:
• Regularly wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60% + alcohol)
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Stay home if you are sick or becoming sick
• If coughing, cough into the inside of your elbow or sleeve
• In group settings, maintain a degree of space between others (3 feet)
• Reduce unnecessary social interaction
• If you have a clinic appointment and have a fever and cough, please call the VA first before arrival
• If you have a cough and fever and would like to be seen, please please call your health care team or send a secure message using My HealtheVet first for instruction or screening location

We appreciate the support and understanding we’ve received as we continue to plan, prepare and respond to this public health threat. Thank you!

New facility-specific changes:

 

 Seattle:

• Patient/visitor entrances: Radiation Oncology, Women’s Health, Building 100 main entrance, Building 101.
• South entrance closed to patients and visitors entering the building.
• Patient Shuttle from South Entrance (Building 1) to Main Entrance (Building 100) available every 5-10 minutes.
• Patients and visitors are being asked to park in the multi-level Veteran’s parking garage.
• Patient visitation ends at 6 p.m. (subject to change).
• Community Living Center, Spinal Cord Injury and Rehabilitation Care Services closed to volunteers and visitors (except in extreme cases). Visitors with extreme cases, please contact the health team in advance of visit.

American Lake (Lakewood):

• New: Centralized, drive-thru screening begins March 13.
• New: Audiology Clinic cancelled on Saturdays.
• Gym is closed to avoid Veterans being exposed to crowds.
• Community Living Center closed to volunteers and visitors (except in extreme cases). Please contact the health team in advance of visit.
• Veteran Canteen Services (food and retail) closed on Saturdays.

Community Based Outpatient Clinics & Other Facilities:

• No additional changes aside from those listed above that apply to all health care sites.

 

For more information about COVID-19 visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

If you have any questions about your appointment or want to reschedule call 1-800-329-83887 extension 71234.

COVID-19 Update (March 10, 2020)

All Health Care Sites

• Our screening of Veterans and visitors with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath who meet the CDC criteria for evaluation of COVID-19 infection continues across are VA Puget Sound sites of care.
• Easy steps to take to help reduce the risk for getting infections such as COVID-19:
• Regularly wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60% + alcohol)
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Stay home if you are sick or becoming sick
• If coughing, cough into the inside of your elbow or sleeve
• In group settings, maintain a degree of space between others (3 feet)
• Reduce unnecessary social interaction
• If you have a clinic appointment and have a fever and cough, please call the VA first before arrival
• If you have a cough and fever and would like to be seen, please please call your health care team or send a secure message using My HealtheVet first for instruction or screening location
• All patients should allow for extra time to get to appointments with the required screening.
• Children 12 and under not permitted at this time, with one exception, American Lake’s Child Care Center.

We appreciate the support and understanding we’ve received as we continue to plan, prepare and respond to this public health threat. Thank you!

Facility-specific

• No additional updates.
  
  

For more information about COVID-19 visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

If you have any questions about your appointment or want to reschedule call 1-800-329-83887 extension 71234.

COVID-19 Update (March 6, 2020)

The VA Puget Sound team continues to proactively plan, prepare and respond to this emerging public health threat, with COVID-19 screening areas at its Seattle and American Lake campuses as well as all seven of its community based outpatients clinics across Western Washington.Veterans and staff are encouraged to take every day preventative actions to avoid being exposed to the virus:  

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home if you are sick or becoming sick.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• If you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with symptoms, call the VA before going to the facility.

General patient and visitors reminders:

• Children under 12 are not allowed on any campus, with one exception. Children under 12 are allowed in the American Lake campus Child Care Center (not allowed in other areas).
• Visitor hours at our Seattle campus end at 6 p.m. (subject to change).
• Community Living Centers (Seattle and American Lake), Spinal Cord Injury and Rehabilitation Care Services closed to visitors (except in extreme cases) and closed to volunteers. For visitors with extreme cases, please contact the health team in advance of visit.

New facility-specific changes:

• American Lake campus: Veteran Canteen Services (food and retail) now closed on Saturdays

For more information about the Coronavirus, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

 

COVID-19 Update (March 5, 2020)

Screening has started at VA Puget Sound care facilities to protect our Veterans, their families, visitors and our staff. Please call ahead if you have symptoms (fever, cold symptoms, flu symptoms). We appreciate all support and understanding as we plan, prepare and respond to this emerging public health threat. We encourage all patients to allow for extra time to get to appointments with the required screening.

Seeking medical care:

If you would not otherwise seek medical care for a respiratory illness (cold), this is not a reason to seek care now.  And if you think you have been exposed to the virus and are experiencing non-life threatening respiratory symptoms, please contact your primary care team by phone or MyHealtheVet as a first step, before coming into one of our clinics or to a local emergency department. Our care team can give you instructions for seeking care, which you can do without exposing others. To reschedule an appointment, call 1-800-329-83887 extension 71234. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus and wash your hands. And if you see someone – staff, patients, visitors – with respiratory symptoms (coughing/sneezing) ask them to put on a mask. You are more likely to get the flu. So remember, it’s not too late to get that flu vaccine!

 

FACILITY SPECIFIC INFO:

 

SEATTLE CAMPUS:

• South entrance has been closed to patients and visitors entering the building.
• Patient Shuttle service from South Entrance (Building 1) to Main Entrance (Building 100) is available every 10 to 15 minutes.
• Patient/visitor entrances: Radiation Oncology, Women’s Health, Building 100 main entrance and Building 101.
• Patients and visitors are being asked to park in the multi-level Veteran’s parking garage to support convenient access to the main entrance of the hospital.
• Patients visitation ends at 6 p.m. (subject to change).
• Children 12 and under not permitted at this time.
• Community Living Center, Spinal Cord Injury and Rehabilitation Care Services closed to visitors (except in extreme cases) and closed to volunteers. For visitors with extreme cases, please contact the health team in advance of visit.

 

AMERICAN LAKE CAMPUS:

• Screening is occurring at every building.
• Gym is closed to avoid Veterans being exposed to crowds.
• Community Living Center closed to volunteers. It is also closed to visitors (except in extreme cases). Please contact the health team in advance of visit.

CBOC BASED OUTPATIENT CLINICS:

• Screening is occurring at every site.
• Children 12 and under not permitted at this time.
  

OTHER SITES (Home Based Primary Care, Community Resource and Referral Center, Renton Housing Services):

• No updates currently.

Novel Coronavirus Update (March 3, 2020)

VA Puget Sound Health Care System is closely following and responding to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) and are aware of the cases in the Seattle area. We continue to work closely with our VA, CDC and local Public Health partners to plan, prepare and respond to this emerging public health threat. We are also meeting daily to ensure our staff receive necessary training and resources so they can safely and properly care for potential patients with the virus.

Public health is currently NOT recommending COVID-19 testing for people without symptoms. To better protect patients, families, visitors and staff, we are expected to start screening all patients and visitors entering our care facilities. Those identified with fever and cough will be given masks and will receive further screening. 

Additional strategies are being deployed to make good use of our tele-care abilities, limiting the need for Veterans to come in who may be unnecessarily exposed to viruses. Additional precautionary steps we are considering limiting general patient visitation in certain areas.

Seeking medical care:

If you would not otherwise seek medical care for a respiratory illness (cold), this is not a reason to seek care now.  And if you think you have been exposed to the virus and are experiencing non-life threatening respiratory symptoms, please contact your primary care team by phone or MyHealtheVet as a first step, before coming into one of our clinics or to a local emergency department. Our care team can give you instructions for seeking care, which you can do without exposing others. To reschedule an appointment, call 1-800-329-83887 extension 71234. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus and wash your hands. And if you see someone – staff, patients, visitors – with respiratory symptoms (coughing/sneezing) ask them to put on a mask. You are more likely to get the flu. So remember, it’s not too late to get that flu vaccine!

Remember to practice these routine actions that help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. These include:

• Stay home at the first sign of illness.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, throw the tissue in the trash and do hand hygiene.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Avoid unnecessary contact with people who have symptoms of respiratory illness.

We will update this information as we learn more about the situation.

For more information about COVID-19 visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

If you have any questions about your appointment or want to reschedule call 1-800-329-83887 extension 71234.

You can also get updates on social media: https://www.facebook.com/vapugetsound and https://twitter.com/VAPugetSound. If you would like to receive automated updates via email, please sign up with your email address on our website - https://www.pugetsound.va.gov/index.asp - look under the social media icons on right for "Subscribe to Receive Email Updates."