Several veterans programs are being affected by the coronavirus

Posted: Thu, Mar 12, 2020 3:22 PM

Winneshiek County veterans traveling to the Iowa City VA Clinic will encounter screening because of the coronavirus situation.

Tthe Iowa City VA Health Care System says veterans traveling to the clinic now will be pre-screened. This may lengthen entry times, so patients are advised to allow for that when arriving for their appointments.

The screening will consist of three questions: "Do you have a fever or worsening cough or flu-like symptoms?" "Have you traveled to China, Japan, Italy, Iran or South Korea in the last 14 days?" and "Have you been in close contact with someone, including health care workers, confirmed to have the coronavirus disease?" 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 everyday preventative actions to avoid being exposed to the virus, including washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; and staying home if you are sick or becoming sick.

Meanwhile, organizers from Freedom Honor Flight in La Crosse have announced they are postponing the May 9th flight to Washington D.C. What was to have been the group's 25th flight is being postponed due to Centers for Disease Control advisories regarding the increased COVID-19 illness risks of non-essential air travel and large group gatherings.

For more information about the Coronavirus, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html