A Veteran inpatient presumptively tested positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19) March 20, 2020, at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center (Shreveport VA Hospital). The test was confirmed by Louisiana’s Department of Health. The Veteran was admitted March 16 and immediately isolated after presenting to the Shreveport VA’s emergency department.
The risk of transmission to other patients and staff remains low, as the Veteran is being cared for in isolation by staff who are specially trained on the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and utilizing personal protective equipment and infection control techniques.
VA is screening Veterans and staff who present with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath who meet the CDC criteria for evaluation of COVID-19 infection. Per CDC guidance and VA protocols, individuals known to be at risk for a COVID-19 infection are immediately isolated to prevent potential spread to others.
Veterans and staff are encouraged to take everyday preventative actions to avoid being exposed to the virus:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Stay home if you are sick or becoming sick.
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
If you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with symptoms, call the VA before going to the facility.
To reduce the chances of infection and spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 visitation is NO LONGER allowed, except for patients in palliative care and end-of-life moments. Visitation will be limited to one visitor per day for those exceptions.
Veterans, if you have flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, call us at 318-990-5000 or 800-644-8370, before you visit the Shreveport VA or one of your VA Clinics
For more information about the Coronavirus, please visit: https://www.va.gov/coronavirus/ or https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.