COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update
Dear Veteran,
As a result of the presumed positive cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in the Tampa Bay area, Governor DeSantis has declared a public health emergency in Florida. We should expect the number of cases confirmed to increase in the coming days and weeks. The VISN 8 Network Emergency Management Coordination Center and our Bay Pines VA Healthcare System's Incident Management Team have been activated to prepare for and respond to this public health emergency moving forward.
Veterans enrolled for VA care who have symptoms of COVID-19, flu or colds (fever, cough and shortness of breath) are asked to contact the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center at 1—877-741-3400 (toll free) prior to visiting their primary care provider. Veterans can also call for virtual care, including nurse advice and triage. There is no cost to Veterans enrolled for care in VISN 8 facilities.
Facilities within the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System have appropriate signage and screening procedures in place. It is imperative that all visitors fully cooperate with our procedures for the safety of all. Failure to cooperate may result in police involvement and increased transmission risk to hospitalized patients and staff. Please plan to arrive at least 20 minutes in advance of your appointment to allow additional time for the screening process.
Additionally, each facility has processes/procedures in place to ensure maintenance of a sufficient inventory of personal protective equipment (PPE) to provide to those who have symptoms and to those who are in immediate contact with a sick patient. Your responsible use of PPE is appreciated to ensure we remain prepared with the supplies and PPE necessary to provide care to Veterans.
As a reminder, the following groups of people should not visit hospitalized loved ones if experiencing fever, cough, are feeling sick, or have children under the age of 16. Exceptions may be made for visitors of patients who are in critical condition or in end-of-life situations.
If you are an outpatient scheduled for an upcoming appointment with the symptoms described above, please remember to first contact the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center at 1—877-741-3400 (toll free) prior to visiting our facilities. Additionally, please take these steps to ensure the potential spread of any harmful pathogens.
Limit the amount of people you bring with you to a clinic visit if directed to do so by the Clinical Contact Center
If you are sick experiencing COVID-19, flu or cold (fever, cough and shortness of breath), ask for a mask and put it on immediately upon entering our facilities
Wash your hands with soap and water or use alcohol based hand sanitizer before and after your appointment
The most important thing individuals can do is prevent the spread of any illness by continuing to:
Sanitize your hands often with soap and water or alcohol based hand cleaners
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze—throw it away immediately after you use it
Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve if you don’t have a tissue
Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth—Germs often spread this way
If you are ill, stay home and if needed, call your doctor
Please visit the CDC website for the latest information on COVID-19. As this situation continues to evolve in our local communities and across the country, so may our procedures. We will update you as needed.
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