COVID-19 visitation and screening policy – June 21, 2022

We understand COVID-19 restrictions surrounding children visiting our care sites has been difficult. We appreciate your continued patience and understanding of our need to follow CDC and VA guidelines to ensure the safety of our Veterans, visitors and staff.

We are happy to share our updated VA Puget Sound Health Care System’s visitation for children (under 18-years-old) and COVID-19 screening policies, which vary based on the active Health Protection Level at the care site you are visiting.

The Health Protection Level for each of our care sites can be found on our website at https://www.va.gov/puget-sound-health-care/operating-status/.

Just follow the visitation and screening policy based on the Health Protection Level indicated at the care site you are visiting.

• Expectations for visiting children regardless of Health Protection Level:
  • All adult caregivers will confirm screening responses for children accompanying them at campus and clinic entrances.
  • Medical grade masks must be worn for anyone 2-years-old or older
  • Children must be in the direct supervision and physically near their accompanying adult while in any VA facility.
  • It is not permitted for staff to care for children of adult patients.

• Health Protection Level: HIGH
  • Screening:
    • At campus and clinic entrances.
    • Medical grade masks must be worn for anyone 2-years-old or older.
  • Children
    • Outpatient appointments and visits to laboratory:
      • One child permitted.
      • Children will follow the guidelines outlined above.
    • Pharmacy and other administrative visits:
      • Children not permitted.
    • Inpatient:
      • Children not permitted.

• Health Protection Level: MEDIUM
  • Children:
    • Outpatient appointments and visits to laboratory:
      • Children permitted.
    • Pharmacy and other administrative visits:
      • Children permitted.
    • Inpatient:
      • Children are not permitted.

• Health Protection Level: LOW
  • Children:
    • Outpatient appointments and visits to laboratory:
      • Children permitted.
    • Pharmacy and other administrative visits:
      • Children permitted.
    • Inpatient visitation:
      • Children not permitted.   

Note: Situations outside of these guidelines will be reviewed at the time of visit by local clinical leadership, upon screening. If outside general business hours (Monday – Friday), review and approval is determined by the care team on site.