VHA Transitions to COVID-19 Operational Plan by Implementing Health Protection Levels to Enhance Safety of Veterans, Visitors and Employees

Veterans Health Administration sent this bulletin at 05/31/2022 01:56 PM EDT

Dear Veteran,

As we continue to adapt to the changing levels of COVID transmission in our communities, the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System has implemented COVID Health Protection Levels. We will continue to take appropriate steps to protect patients and visitors based on the level of COVID activity.

The three Veterans Health Administration COVID-19 Health Protection Levels – low, medium and high – align with CDC’s Community Transmission levels, which are based on new COVID cases and percentage of positive tests.

Currently, masks are required at all Health Protection Levels, but requirements for screening, visitation and physical distancing vary. Please expect to follow the precautions listed below when visiting a VA facility, based on the COVID Health Protection Level:

Low:

  • Masks are required
  • Self screening is required
  • Visitors are welcome
  • Physical distancing is not required

Medium:

  • Masks are required
  • Patients and visitors will be screened at entrances
  • An adult care partner may accompany a patient on a medical visit
  • Physical distancing is not required

High:

  • Masks are required
  • Patients and visitors will be screened at entrances
  • An adult care partner may accompany a patient on a medical visit
  • Physical distancing is required

Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System locations are currently at the following levels

  1. New Orleans - High
  2. Bogalusa - Medium
  3. Baton Rouge - Medium
  4. Franklin - Medium
  5. Hammond - Medium
  6. Houma - Medium
  7. Slidell - High
  8. St. John - High

Please visit https://www.va.gov/southeast-louisiana-health-care/ or call 1-800-935-8387 for current protection levels before your next visit. If patients or visitors are heading to a VA facility in another parish, they should check with that health facility to determine the facility’s VHA COVID-19 Health Protection Level.

Visit www.va.gov/coronavirus-veteran-frequently-asked-questions/ for questions and answers regarding the VHA COVID-19 Health Protection Levels.

Thank you for your service.