Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs News Release
April 7, 2020
(Correction April 8, 2020 - no additional residents have tests pending as of 8:10am)
Two residents at the Spokane Veterans Home have tested positive for presumptive cases of COVID-19. They are considered presumptive positive cases pending CDC confirmatory testing. The residents are roommates and were isolated when symptoms appeared. Staff have been using appropriate PPE while we awaited test results.
Nothing matters to us more than the Veterans and Families we serve in our Veterans Homes, and the staff members who care for them. The Spokane Veterans Home is taking all infection control precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Department of Health.
“We know this is an incredibly uncertain time for the residents and their families,” said Lourdes E. Alvarado-Ramos director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. “The veterans and their families we care for in our Homes are our greatest treasure and our agency and staff are understandably distraught by this news.”
All residents are being monitored for symptoms of COVID-19.
The Spokane Veterans Home team is working around the clock and we appreciate their commitment and dedication to ensure our residents are cared for with dignity and compassion.
The Spokane Veterans Home is notifying all residents, families and staff and will continue to provide updated information online at: www.dva.wa.gov/covid or through dedicated telephone line with a message that will be recorded at noon each day starting on 8 April. Media inquiries should be addressed to communications@dva.wa.gov.
The Spokane Veterans Home has also placed a hold on new admissions, to fully focus on our current residents. We encourage family members to call the facility if they have specific questions regarding their loved ones. Media inquiries should be addressed to communications@dva.wa.gov.
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Media Contact
Heidi Audette
Communications and Legislative Director
(360) 725-2154 – office
(360) 791-8966 – cell
heidia@dva.wa.gov