MILWAUKEE — A veteran inpatient has tested for positive for coronavirus Wednesday at the Zablocki VA Medical Center's Milwaukee campus.
The VA says the veteran is in isolation and is being cared for by staff who are trained on the latest CDC treatment guidelines. The risk of transmission to other patients and staff remains low.
Staff who may have been in close contact to the patient are being reviewed by Infection Control experts and will be contacted to review risk and next steps.
In a news release, the VA says they are 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 the following preventative actions:
- 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.
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