VA Illiana Health Care System has tightened its restrictions over concerns about the risk of the COVID-19 virus. Effective yesterday, (March 18, 2020) no visitors of any age are allowed to enter the medical center or its outpatient clinics in Bloomington, Decatur, Mattoon, Peoria and Springfield.
Visitors are prohibited from entering the medical center unless it is necessary for providing medical care, supporting patient activities, or visiting a family member who is gravely ill.
Those entering the VA’s facilities will continue to be pre-screened. At the Danville campus, Veterans are required to access the medical center at the Building 98 Urgent Care Entrance (24 hours a day). Those entering outpatient clinics in other central Illinois cities will be screened at the door.
Enrolled Veterans who have flu-like symptoms such as a fever, cough, and shortness of breath, should call the nurse triage line at 1-888-598-7793, before visiting their provider at the VA medical center or local VA clinic.
Veterans and staff are encouraged to take every day preventive 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 feel you are 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.
