BECKLEY, W.Va. — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Raleigh County is continuing limited visitation and the implementation of related precautions, due to a recent increase in regional influenza cases.
Veterans on the facility’s Community Living Center floor, as well as those in hospice care, the Medical-Surgical Ward, and in ICU are covered by the restrictions, which have been in place since mid-February.
Currently, no more than two visitors per veteran a day are permitted. Additionally, visitors must be 14 years of age or older. Individuals with fever, cough, body aches, sore throat, or who have had contact with anyone who had these symptoms within the last four days are advised to postpone a visit until symptoms are gone for at least 24 hours, without the use of medicine. Staff members who choose not to vaccinate must wear a mask when near patients and other employees.
According to Public Affairs Officer Sara Yoke, the charge nurse will be able to assess situations on a case-by-case basis, in the event of extenuating circumstances necessitating a visit that otherwise would be prohibited.
The restrictions apply to the center’s community clinics in Lewisburg and in Princeton.