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HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs released an enhanced National COVID-19 Report Summary website that provides a real-time look at the status of COVID-19 patients who have been tested or treated at VA facilities.
In our region, the Hampton VA Medical Center currently reports 1,454 veteran patients tested positive for the novel coronavirus, with 27 known deaths.
In addition to the running total of cases and number of deaths, the site also includes:
- Active cases – Patients tested or treated at a VA facility for known or probable COVID-19 who have neither died nor reached convalescent status.
- Convalescent cases – Patients tested or treated at a VA facility for known or probable COVID-19 who are either post-hospital discharge or 14 days after their last positive test, whichever comes later.
The Hampton VA reports 23 active cases and 1,404 total convalescent cases as of March 31.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says it is taking aggressive steps to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 and is communicating its response plan and testing results.
View the web page with real-time, map-based data on confirmed case counts, at this link.
The Hampton VA received its first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine in late December and has been administering it since then. The facility is currently in Phase 1b for vaccine distribution.
The Hampton VA currently reports 5,291 veterans are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and well as 1,602 employees.
Nationwide, Veterans Affairs reports there have been 242,810 cumulative positive cases in veteran patients nationwide and a total of 11,298 deaths reported as of March 31. Additionally, 1,794,497 veterans are fully vaccinated.
The VA is asking veterans with symptoms including fever, cough, or shortness of breath to immediately contact their local VA facility before arriving in-person. You can also sign into My HealtheVet and send a secure message.
All patients going to the VA will also be screened for flu-like symptoms before they can enter the facility.
“At this time, VA is urging all visitors who do not feel well to please postpone their visits to VA facilities,” the VA website reads.
Here are some tips from the VA on how to protect yourself against COVID-19:
- Learn to use VA Video Connect through the VA mobile app store or by contacting your VA care team, before any urgent problems arise.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. An easy way to mark the time is to hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice while scrubbing.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick or becoming sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue (not your hands) and throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Getting a flu shot is recommended.
Click here to learn more about the VA’s public health response.