WDVA Update on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - UPDATED MARCH 11, 2020

UPDATE MARCH 11, 2020

As the Coronavirus outbreak continues in our state, our goal is to continue to provide the most current information and remain transparent about impacts to WDVA Homes and Offices.

Below is an update on COVID-19 testing in our Veterans Homes and Governor Inslee’s updated State of Emergency Proclamation. https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/proclamations/20-06%20Coronavirus%20%28tmp%29.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

There have been no residents in any of our State Veterans Homes who have tested positive for COVID-19. 
The Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard did test two residents on Monday, March 09, 2020 for COVID-19 using the criteria established by the CDC and Washington Department of Health, with both tests coming back NEGATIVE.  

Our Transitional Housing Programs continue to monitor clients and staff and also reported no testing or cases of COVID-19.

On March 10, 2020 Governor Inslee amended the State of Emergency Proclamation as a result of COVID-19.  The updated proclamation includes new rules for all nursing homes in our state. 

These are effective until April 9, 2020 and include the following:

  • Visiting hours are limited each day from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
  • All visitors must enter using main entrances.
  • Residents may only have one adult visitor per day. Visits must take place in the resident’s room.  (This does not apply in end of life situations.)
  • Visitors must show identification and sign into the visitor’s log to include: date, time in, time out, name, phone number and email address (if available).
  • All visitors, employees, vendors and volunteers will be screened for fever.  Those with a fever of 100.4 or higher will not be allowed to enter.

All visitors, employees, vendors and volunteers will be asked the following screening questions.  If you answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions you will not be allowed to enter.

  1. Do you have a new or worsening cough or difficulty breathing?
  2. Do you have flu-like symptoms?
  3. Have you traveled outside of the country in the last two weeks?
  4. Have you been in contact with someone, including health care workers, confirmed to have the COVID-19 in the last 14 days?
  5. Have you been in contact with a person who is under investigation for COVID-19?

Signs were placed at each Homes’ main entrance with this information as well.

Our Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) is now activated at Phase 4 in the Pandemic Plan.  This means that we will be postponing larger events (50 or more people) and may also begin initiating travel restrictions. 

Washington Department of Veterans Affairs – What We’re Doing:

  • Activated COOP Pandemic Plan to Phase 4.
  • Daily stand-up calls with Veterans Homes, Transitional Housing Program, Cemetery and other off-site offices.
  • Active screening of all Veterans Homes visitors, vendors, volunteers and staff as required by Governor’s Proclamation 20-06.
  • Limiting visitors at State Veterans Homes as required by Proclamation 20-06.
  • Providing options for virtual visits at all State Veterans Homes between residents and family members.
  • Screening questions placed at entrances of all WDVA Offices.
  • Planned meetings and events with over 50 people have been postponed through the end of April, will reassess May events at beginning of April. 
  • Created COVID-19 specific webpage on our WDVA website: www.dva.wa.gov/covid

 

UPDATE MARCH 03, 2020

We are taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of illness and continue providing the highest quality service in our Veterans Homes and Offices.

“As the Coronavirus outbreak continues in our state, our goal is to provide information and be transparent about impacts to WDVA Veterans Homes and Offices,” said WDVA Director, Alfie Alvarado-Ramos.  “Please know that we will share information specific to our Homes and Offices as we have it, and if we need to clarify or correct information as we go, we will do that too.” 

The most important thing that we all can do is to remain steady and refrain from making assumptions or jumping to conclusions.  For the sake of our Residents, Clients and Veterans Community, please help us by sharing only the information you know to be accurate.  Misinformation can create panic and cause people to avoid getting the services they need.  If you have questions about the status of any WDVA locations, please contact DVA-COOP@DVA.WA.GOV .

As of Friday, March 06, 2020 there are no cases of COVID-19 at any of our Veterans Homes or Offices.

Steps We’re Taking: 

· Frequent handwashing and use of hand sanitizer;

· Asking staff and visitors to stay home if they are ill;

· Increased environmental cleaning, including handrails and door handles;

· Staff are utilizing proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when appropriate;

· Signs with Screening Questions at Veterans Homes entrances;

· Posting Coronavirus fact sheets and hand sanitizer stations near entrances;

· Refresher training taking place for staff on infection control and stopping the spread of illness;

· Number of Public Entrances are being limited wherever possible;

· Monitoring residents for signs of illness and communicating with our County Health Department.

Your WDVA Team is meeting every morning to get reports from our Veterans Homes and Offices to assess our status across the agency.  We are following the WDVA Continuity of Operations plan (COOP), guidance from our Department of Health, Governor’s Office and VA in order to stay consistent with our partner agencies. 

We truly cannot thank our facility staff and healthcare professionals enough for their dedication and hard work, we also appreciate the patience of visitors and family members at this time.