Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs News Release
Port Orchard: We received confirmation that one of our employees at the Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard and one of our employees at the Washington Soldiers Home in Orting were diagnosed with COVID-19, the employees are now self-isolated at home.
We realize this news is concerning and we want to reassure residents, staff and family members that we are working closely with the Local Public Health Districts and following guidance from CDC, CMS and our State Department of Health to ensure we are taking every possible precaution. We will stay in contact with the employees to ensure they get the care they need.
The Homes will conduct enhanced surveillance, including 4-hour symptom and temperature checks, for residents in the affected areas for the next 14 days.
Additional environmental cleaning took place in areas that the staff members worked and throughout the facilities. We are in the process of notifying and testing anyone who had close or direct contact with the employees.
We are asking our staff to pay close attention to whether they have any symptoms, including the presence of a fever. As part of our ongoing screening process, all staff are screened upon arrival at work each day. This process includes a series of questions around whether symptoms are present and a temperature check. In addition, staff will take their temperature at least twice a day and are also asked to report any symptoms that occur after coming to work.
We know that this news is difficult to hear and want to reassure residents, families and staff that we are doing everything within our power to keep them safe and healthy.
We are notifying residents, staff and family representatives via email or letter and a post to the website. We have informed employees of their possible exposure in the workplace but we will maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In an effort to provide information as quickly and accurately as possible, we have developed a website to provide information to families and resident representatives, https://www.dva.wa.gov/covid. Media inquiries should be addressed to heidia@dva.wa.gov
###
Media Contact Heidi Audette
Communications and Legislative Director
(360) 791-8966 – cell
heidia@dva.wa.gov