VA Relaxes Masking at Health Care Facilities

While COVID-19 is still with us and will be for the foreseeable future, VA is updating its COVID-19 safety precautions, including relaxing masking requirements at VA medical facilities.  

Except for high-risk areas and situations, universal masking is no longer required. This is in line with CDC guidance and builds on the lessons we’ve learned in the last three years on how to keep patients and staff safe.  

Masks will continue to be required for staff, Veterans, and visitors while in the high-risk areas listed below:

• Urgent care and associated waiting areas
• Community living centers (CLC) (staff and visitors only, with the exception that visitors to CLCs may unmask when visiting with a patient within that patient’s room or outside) 

Masking also continues to be required: 

• For those with a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection or other viral respiratory infection
• For health care providers caring for those with known or suspected COVID-19 
• For VHA health care personnel upon request of a Veteran patient, caregiver, or family member
• Where local leadership warrants continued masking is required

Moving forward, VA will monitor any changes to CDC guidelines and update infection control recommendations as necessary. 

Your well-being and access to safe, professional care are our priorities, and we are honored to serve you! For more information regarding COVID-19 policies at VA, visit the Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions web page. 

Please contact your care team if you have any questions.  

Sincerely,
Your Roseburg VA Health Care System Team

Sandra Kidd, Public Affairs Specialist

Phone:

Nikol Hansen, Public Affairs Specialist

Phone: