Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) What you should know VA is working closely with The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other federal partners, monitoring an outbreak of Novel Coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The World Health Organization on February 11, 2020, proposed an official name for the illness caused by the new coronavirus: COVID-19. Cases have been identified in the United States* and other international locations.* This new strain belongs to a group of viruses called coronavirus which can cause symptoms like fever, cough and shortness of breath. VA has activated its emergency management coordination cell (EMCC) and is implementing an aggressive and collaborative public health response to protect and care for Veterans. United States is actively screening everyone who has traveled in China for this new disease. Americans who come back from the part of China where the number of infections is very high are required to limit close contact with other people and report changes in their health. VA has been planning for this type of event and is prepared to protect and care for Veterans who receive their health care from VA. What precautions to take Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent the COVID-19 infection and no medication to treat it. CDC believes symptoms appear 2 to 14 days after exposure. Avoid exposure and avoid exposing others to an infection with these simple acts. · Learn to use VA Video Connect through the VA mobile app store on My HealtheVet or by contacting your VA care team, before any urgent problems arise. · Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. An easy way to mark the time is to hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice while scrubbing. · Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. · Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. · Avoid close contact with people who are sick. · Stay home when you are sick or becoming sick. · Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue (not your hands) and throw the tissue in the trash. · Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. · Getting a flu shot is recommended. What to do if you have symptoms If you have both symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath and · have either recently returned from China or have direct exposure to others diagnosed with 2019-nCoV. Call before visiting your local VA medical center to seek care or sign in to MyHealtheVet and send a Secure Message to your VA Healthcare Provider. VA telehealth options including VA Video Connect may be able to offer a prompt diagnosis and comprehensive care. What precautions to take when traveling The U.S. government has imposed travel restrictions for all non-essential travel to China. Additionally, U.S. citizens returning from the region will undergo enhanced screening procedures. Generally, foreign nationals (other than immediate family of U.S. citizens, permanent residents and flight crew) who have traveled in China within 14 days of their arrival, will be denied entry into the U.S. If you have international travel plans, review this specific guidance for travelers.* Sincerely, The Wilmington Delaware Medical Center Mary Mary B. Gallagher, MSN, RN, CCRN My HealtheVet Program Coordinator Veterans Health Education Coordinator Secure Messaging Administrator VA Apps Coordinator
Corona Virus Update from the VA folks. I would like to take a minute to provide you with the latest education regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19). On March 11, the World Health Organization declared the virus a pandemic. On Wednesday evening, The President of the United States addressed the nation encouraging us to be informed and engaged as we work together to mitigate risk. Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey have all declared states of emergency and are requesting we limit unnecessary community gatherings and activities. Our Wilmington VA team is working closely with these states to coordinate our efforts to keep everyone informed and safe. We have implemented 100% active screening at the medical center and at all of our Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) located in Delaware and southern New Jersey in an effort to limit the spread of the virus. We have implemented access restrictions to our Community Living Center (CLC). Our medical center is actively planning to address the likelihood of a more progressive outbreak in our community and we will keep you posted. To prevent the coronavirus from spreading, the CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer if a sink isn't available. Also please keep your hands away from your face. The World Health Organization (WHO) says people should wear face masks only if they are sick or caring for someone who is. You should also avoid large gatherings. If you are experiencing fever, cough, fatigue, or shortness of breath related to recent symptoms you should stay home, contact your healthcare provider and together we will develop a plan to assess and meet your healthcare needs. "For most people, COVID-19 infection will cause mild illness; however, it can make some people very ill and, in some people, it can be fatal," the WHO says. "Older people, and those with pre-existing medical conditions (such as cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease or diabetes) are at risk for severe disease." The most common symptoms of COVID-19, according to a recent WHO report that draws on more than 70,000 cases in China: fever (in 88% of cases); dry cough (68%); fatigue (38%); sputum/phlegm production (33%). Shortness of breath occurred in nearly 20% of cases, and about 13% had a sore throat or headache. Please take good care. We expect the impact from COVID 19 to be a reality for our near future and you need to be mindful of both your physical and emotional health. Consider these healthcare options before traveling to the medical center or CBOC. If you are experiencing symptoms or have questions about the coronavirus you can speak to a registered nurse 24 hours a day by calling 302-994-2511 and choose option 3. To contact your primary care team if you would like to convert an upcoming appointment to a VA Video Connect appointment you can take from your home, please call 302-994-2511, select option 2. Send your healthcare team a secure message through My HealtheVet. If you are not registered and would like more information about My HealtheVet, please call 302-994-2511 Extension 5849. Together we will develop a care plan that protects you and others while also ensuring you have timely access to healthcare service. Vince Kane, Medical Center Director Mary Mary B. Gallagher, MSN, RN, CCRN My HealtheVet Program Coordinator Veterans Health Education Coordinator Secure Messaging Administrator VA Apps Coordinator Wilmington Delaware VA Medical Center (302) 994-2511 x 5849 (800) 461-8262 X 5849 National MHV Help Desk 1-877-327-0022 GetWell Network 24/7 Help Desk 1.888.496.3375
I pray the good Lord watches o’er all of our men and women in uniform, where ever they may be in this world and keep them healthy, safe and protected, and ready at a moments notice, and give wisdom to those who run our country so that they may guide us and keep this great land and those who secure it, safe.
