VHA transitions to COVID-19 future state by implementing health protection levels to enhance safety of Veterans, visitors and employees
PRESS RELEASE
May 23, 2022
Wilmington , DE — Today, the Wilmington VA Medical Center is implementing COVID-19 Health Protection Levels as part VA’s consistent, nationwide approach for Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities to adjust COVID-19 safety protocols locally as needed.
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.
Starting today, the Wilmington VA Medical Center and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC’s) operating in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland counties in New Jersey, Kent and Sussex counties in Delaware are operating at the High protection level. The VHA COVID-19 Health Protection Level will be updated as needed on Mondays.
“Veterans in Delaware and southern New Jersey are clear about receiving their care at our facility and CBOC’s and we want to keep them safe during the ups and downs of COVID-19 community prevalence” said Vince Kane, Director. Safety protocols will be adjusted based on COVID-19 levels in the community while we strive to promote access to safe and exceptional healthcare.”
Masks are required regardless of the level, but requirements for self-screening, visitation, and physical distancing vary:
Low:
- Masks are required
- Self-screening is required
- Visitors are welcome
- Physical distancing is not required
Medium:
- Masks are required
- Self-screening is required
- Allow visitation
- Physical distancing is encouraged
High:
- Masks are required
- Screenings will be performed by staff at the entrance
- Visitors discouraged unless for the benefit of patient
- Physical distancing is required
Please visit https://www.va.gov/wilmington-health-care/locations/ or call 1-800-461-8262 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.