Veterans with colds and flu symptoms are being urged to stay away from VA hospitals and clinics in New Jersey in an attempt to prevent coronavirus outbreaks in federal medical facilities.
"We are asking that you NOT come to the hospital or outpatient clinic if you have symptoms unless you have a medical emergency," veterans were told in a message today from Dusty Connelly, who is handling coronavirus information for the New Jersey VA system.
"Coming to the hospital or outpatient clinic may expose germs to other veterans who are already ill and may spread germs to staff who take care of other veterans," the message reads. Veterans with "symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath" or who have recently returned from abroad or have been in contact with others who may have been abroad or those who suspect they may have the virus are asked to call the VA New Jersey Healthcare System East Orange primary care centers rather than show up in person.
The message says that the virus "appears to be spread by respiratory droplets when someone coughs, similar to a cold virus." The message does not mention that it also appears that the virus can be spread by people who are symptom-free before falling ill, making outbreaks essentially unpredictable.
The VA recommends these prevention measures:
"We are asking that you NOT come to the hospital or outpatient clinic if you have symptoms unless you have a medical emergency," veterans were told in a message today from Dusty Connelly, who is handling coronavirus information for the New Jersey VA system.
"Coming to the hospital or outpatient clinic may expose germs to other veterans who are already ill and may spread germs to staff who take care of other veterans," the message reads. Veterans with "symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath" or who have recently returned from abroad or have been in contact with others who may have been abroad or those who suspect they may have the virus are asked to call the VA New Jersey Healthcare System East Orange primary care centers rather than show up in person.
The message says that the virus "appears to be spread by respiratory droplets when someone coughs, similar to a cold virus." The message does not mention that it also appears that the virus can be spread by people who are symptom-free before falling ill, making outbreaks essentially unpredictable.
The VA recommends these prevention measures:
o Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.Veterans who show no signs of illness are urged to get an influenza inoculation as "flu is much more common that coronavirus."
o Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
o Avoid close contact with people who are sick; stay at least three feet away.
o Stay home when you are sick or are becoming sick.
o Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue -- not your hands -- and then throw the tissue in the trash.
o Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
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