VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System

Situation Update

As of Thursday, July 30, 2020 1:54 PM EDT

JULY 30, 2020

VA Ann Arbor Visitor Policy

As COVID-19 cases surge, VAAAHS is asking you to partner with us to alleviate potential infection of our Veterans and staff.  Visitors to VAAAHS facilities will be limited to the need for critical interactions to support the well-being of our Veteran patients, that is, someone who is necessary to ensure a successful visit.

Visitor limitations include the following:

• No one under 18 will be allowed entry in our facilities.
• Anyone entering one of our facilities must wear a face covering over nose and mouth; you may wear your own, or you may be provided one.
• Anyone entering one of our facilities must be screened for COVID-19 (fever, influenza-like illness or symptoms, or known exposure).
• Safe physical distancing (6 feet or more) must be maintained within waiting areas.
• Essential Visitors to Outpatient Veterans and Emergency Department: In general, visitors will not be permitted entrance into our facilities unless their in-person presence is necessary for care of a Veteran patient as an essential visitor. One essential visitor may be allowed for a Veteran receiving outpatient care. Examples include a family member escorting a Veteran home after a surgical or medical procedure involving sedation,  or a caregiver required to assist with activities of daily living for a Veteran, or a legal guardian.
• Visitors to Inpatient and Resident Veterans: One visitor during visitation hours, which are 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. However, careful consideration should be given before visiting inpatient Veterans due to the elevated risk that COVID-19 may pose to these patients. For inpatient Veterans, we encourage friends and family to engage with their loved ones via non-face-to-face methods, such as through phone and video visits.
• Visitors for End of Life Care:  This plan includes visitors to Veterans receiving end-of-life care, though two visitors will be allowed under this circumstance.  

VAAAHS continues to prioritize the safety of our Veterans and staff as we all work together to safely see this crisis to its end.

Veterans - call VA Ann Arbor at 734-845-5290 press option 2 to relay a message to your Primary or Specialty Care team or to make change or cancel an appointment.

• Please check the VAAAHS Current Operating Status page for current information and check our Facebook page for updated information. 

• Sign up to receive updates on the VAAAHS main webpage under "CONNECT WITH VA ANN ARBOR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM".

CORONAVIRUS COVID-19

VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System is prepared to care for patients arriving with respiratory illnesses, and plans are in effect to ensure ongoing preparedness to care for any Veterans suspected of having or confirmed with the newly named COVID-19.

VAAAHS is actively participating with state and local public health authorities and health systems across local area to coordinate a regional response. The goal is to contain the spread of the virus.

The best way for all of us to prevent the spread of the new virus is the same as we prevent the spread of influenza and other viruses: Practice good hand hygiene, observe respiratory etiquette (including by sneezing or coughing into your elbow rather than your hands), and stay home when ill.

With respect to patients and visitors, anyone with respiratory symptoms who thinks they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should first call ahead so that provisions can be made to minimize exposure of other patients.

WHO TO CALL?

Veterans, please use secure messaging on MyHealtheVet or call VA Ann Arbor at 734-845-5290 press 2 to relay a message to your Primary or Specialty Care team or to make change or cancel an appointment. 

HOW IT IS SPREAD

The virus is most likely spread like other respiratory viruses, so the care that you would normally take to avoid catching the flu is a good start for preventing the spread of COVID-19. The best way for all of us to prevent the spread of the new virus is to practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently, covering your cough or sneeze in your elbow and not your hands, and staying home when ill.

IF YOU FEEL SICK

If you have symptoms such as cough, runny nose, and fever, and your symptoms are mild, we recommend that you stay at home. Remember that it is cold and flu season, so there are many possible causes of these symptoms. If your symptoms are more concerning, please call your primary health care provider (e.g., oncologist, cardiologist, etc.) before coming into a clinic, urgent care center or emergency room. Your primary care provider is your best resource for screening.

STAY AT HOME WHEN YOU ARE SICK

• Get your flu shot

• 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.

RESOURCES

CDC: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

CDC: Travel health notices

World Health Organization: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak

Stay connected to VAAAHS to receive up-to date information by signing up on the main VAAAHS webpage or follow us on Facebook.

If you have any questions about your appointment, please contact your provider at 734-845-5290 press 2 before making changes or cancelling an appointment, or relay a message to your Primary or Specialty Care team.