NewsPhoenix Metro NewsCentral Phoenix News

Actions

Phoenix VA announces new visitor restrictions as COVID-19 cases rise

Phoenix VA Hospital
Posted at 3:59 PM, Nov 18, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-18 18:37:37-05

PHOENIX — The Phoenix VA Health Care System announced new visitor restrictions Wednesday as COVID cases in our state continue to rise.

FULL COVERAGE: Safely Back to School in Arizona

According to a press release, in-person visitation will be halted starting Saturday, Nov. 21. Officials say there will be exceptions for end-of-life cases.

The VA says families and friends of those in the facility can arrange to chat with their loved ones either by tablet, video calls or calling the facility.

The following requirements are still in place and continue to be enforced:

-Veterans should come to in-person appointments alone, unless required to have a caregiver assist
-No one under the age of 15 is allowed in any facility
-Everyone entering the VA must wear a face covering and undergo screening, which includes temperature checks

Officials say they will adjust visitation policies on an as-needed basis.

The VA's announcement comes the same day Arizona Governor Doug Ducey and Arizona Department of Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ encouraged Arizonans to continue to wear their masks, wash their hands, and avoid large gatherings ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, and also reiterated the restrictions that remain in place for bars, gyms, movie theaters, and restaurants.