Page 26 - Desert Oracle December 2021

SAVAHCS COVID-19 UPDATE

• Arizona is currently experiencing a surge of COVID-19 hospitalizations and cases- SAVAHCS is no
exception. We have seen an increase of COVID-19 positive Veteran inpatients and outpatient Veteran
cases.
• Current SAVAHCS COVID-19 Visitor Policy- To protect Veterans, staff, caregivers and visitors during
the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, SAVAHCS has implemented a limited visitor policy. Our visitor policy is
based local COVID-19 transmission rates and hospitalizations, and it is subject to change at any time.
• The following visitor guidelines are currently in place at all SAVAHCS healthcare facilities across southern
Arizona:
• For visitation in our Community Living Center (CLC), please call ahead to inquire whether
visitation is allowed.
• Only one adult family member or visitor will be allowed to visit at a time. Further limitations may
be made on a case-by-case basis.
• Video visits are encouraged (Zoom or Facetime).
• Children under the age of 18 years are not allowed entrance at this time unless they are the
designated caregiver.
• General visitation of inpatient Non-COVID Veterans will be allowed during daily visitation hours
from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• General visitation for COVID positive patients remains prohibited.
• Ambulatory or outpatient visits are restricted to one caregiver.
• Further exceptions or restrictions may be made depending on individual circumstances.
• SAVAHCS COVID-19 screening process:
• All visitors must be screened for COVID-19. The entry point for inpatient visitors will be limited to
the Building 50 (North) entrance.
• Visitors will be screened at the building entrance with COVID-19 screening questions
• Visitor will be prohibited from entering SAVAHCS facilities if they report recent COVID-19
exposure or symptoms.
• COIVD-19 Infection Prevention Requirements:
• Visitors are always required to wear a face mask while at all SAVAHCS health care facilities.
• Visitors will be given instructions regarding specific precautions they must take when visiting
patients, including special considerations related to patients in isolation, requirements for hand-
hygiene and personal protective apparel/equipment, and related information.
• Federal Employee COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate:
• All Title 30, Title 5, and Hybrid 38 VHA employees are required to get COVID-19 vaccine
• SAVAHCS conducting weekly testing for staff with exceptions
• Coordinating with HR on next steps

• To get the latest information COVID-19 cases and vaccination rates at the SAVAHCS, you can visit the
Department of Veterans Affairs COVID-19 National Summary Web Page at
https://www.accesstocare.va.gov/Healthcare/COVID19NationalSummary.
• The Arizona Department of Health Services data dashboard provides the most up-to-date information on
the spread of COVID-19 in Arizona. It can be accessed HERE
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated Interim Public Health
Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People. For the time being, masking requirements remain
in place for both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated employees, patients, and visitors at the
SAVAHCS facilities across southern Arizona.