COVID-19 Update from VA NorCal
Veterans Health Administration sent this bulletin at 01/14/2022 01:34 PM EST
News Update
Dear VA Northern California Health Care System news subscriber:
Due to the surge in COVID-19 cases throughout the state, the VA Northern California Health Care System has implemented safety measures to protect patients and employees.
Measures include the following:
- Offering virtual and phone visits to patients who have scheduled in-person appointments.
- Restricting visitors and guests for outpatients and inpatients.
- Outpatients are not able to bring guests with them inside our facilities unless medically necessary and in rare situations at this time.
- Inpatient visitors will be allowed on a case-by-case basis.
- To view our Visitor Policy and exceptions, click here.
- Scaling back some elective surgeries to free up staff, beds and resources to assist with this COVID surge.
- Enforcing masking (regardless of vaccination status), physical distancing and COVID-19 screenings at all our facilities.
- Encouraging patients with prescription needs to use phone and web options for refills.
- To learn more about our COVID-19 operations, visit our Prepare for your Visit page.
Stay Home and Phone
We are continuing to see some patients in person for appointments. However, we are encouraging Veterans to use our virtual care options (Telehealth, VA Video Connect) for specialty care, primary care and mental health services whenever possible. Patients who need an in-person appointment can contact their care team.
For life-threatening emergencies, please call 911. The Emergency Department at the Mather VA Medical Center is open 24/7.
Use VA Health Chat
VA Health Chat is a convenient way for VA NorCal enrolled patients to chat with a live VA representative and get answers to your questions. In as little as 60 seconds, VA Health Chat connects you with a VA Health Care Team member who can give medical advice, schedule appointments, refill prescriptions, and more. Click here to learn more.
COVID-19 Testing
We are offering COVID-19 testing to enrolled patients and VA employees. For information, please visit www.va.gov/northern-california-health-care/health-services/covid-19-vaccines/va-northern-california-covid-19-on-demand-testing/.
COVID-19 Vaccines
We continue to offer COVID-19 vaccinations to Veterans, their spouses and caregivers, and CHAMPVA recipients under the authority granted by the SAVE LIVES Act. To learn more, please visit www.va.gov/northern-california-health-care/programs/covid-19-vaccines/ or call 1-800-382-8387 and select option 8 to schedule an appointment.
Thank you for your cooperation and for working together to combat COVID-19.
Your VA Northern California Health Care System
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