Bay Pines VA's Sept. 26 Update: COVID-19 Health Protection Levels

Veterans Health Administration sent this bulletin at 09/26/2022 09:30 AM EDT
 

Dear Veteran,

As part VA’s consistent, nationwide approach for Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities to adjust COVID-19 safety protocols locally as needed, the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System will continue implementing COVID-19 Health Protection Levels.

The three VHA 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.

As of Sept. 26, our facilities are at level Medium. An update about our facility's COVID-19 Health Protection Level will be provided on a weekly basis.

Masks are required regardless of the level, but requirements for self-screening, visitation, and physical distancing vary:

Low:

  1. Everyone must wear a mask
  2. We may institute self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms at the entrance
  3. Physical distancing is not required
  4. Visitation is not restricted except for at the Community Living Center (CLC). If you reside in the CLC, ask your care team who may visit

Medium:

  1. Everyone must wear a mask
  2. We may institute self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms at the entrance
  3. Physical distancing is required
  4. Inpatient visitation limited. Please visit https://www.va.gov/bay-pines-health-care/policies/ for more information

High:

  1. Everyone must wear a mask
  2. We may screen you for COVID-19 symptoms at the entrance
  3. Physical distancing is required
  4. Inpatient visitation limited. Please visit https://www.va.gov/bay-pines-health-care/policies/ for more information

If you are experiencing symptoms such as a cough, runny/stuffy nose, fatigue, sore throat, headache, muscle pain, fever, or sneezing, call the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center (877-741-3400) first – before visiting a hospital or clinic. Our clinicians are available 24/7 to address your concerns, help you schedule a virtual appointment with a licensed health care professional, and assist if you need to get tested for COVID-19. Please visit https://www.va.gov/bay-pines-health-care/locations/ or call 727-368-6661 for current protection levels before your next visit. If patients or visitors are heading to a VA facility in another county, 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.

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