Press release from Charles George VA Medical Center:
Upon further evaluation, Western North Carolina VA Health Care System – which includes Charles George VA Medical Center and its three Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) in Rutherford County, Franklin and Hickory – has decided to stop visitation for all patients.
Effective immediately, no visitors of any age will be allowed to enter the medical center or CBOC facilities. Visitors will be prohibited from entering the medical center unless it is necessary for providing medical care, supporting patient care activities, or visiting under urgent circumstances, such as grave illness or imminent death of a family member under care in the facility. Outpatient Veterans will be allowed a caretaker if required.
This measure is being taken for the safety of patients, visitors and staff and to help to limit the spread of the Covid-19.
Those entering the VA’s facilities will continue to be pre-screened prior to entry.
Enrolled Veterans who have flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, should call 1-828-298-7911 ext. 3 to coordinate care prior to visiting their provider at the VA medical center or local VA clinics.
Veterans and staff are encouraged to continue to take every day 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 percent alcohol
- If you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with symptoms, call the VA before going to the facility
Editor’s note: For the most up to date information follow CGVAMC on Facebook at @AshevilleVAMC or visit the website at asheville.va.gov/. Information for Veterans and CDC updates, please visit: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
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