White City VA confirms COVID-19 outbreak among employees
WHITE CITY, Ore. — Coronavirus cases among employees of the White City VA Rehabilitation Center & Clinics have risen to the level of a workplace outbreak by the Oregon Health Authority’s standards, the officials confirmed on Friday.
The VA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics Health Care System (VA SORCC) said that as of Thursday, the facility had six employees who had tested positive for coronavirus.
“This meets the criteria for an outbreak,” the VA SORCC said in a statement. “We feel very fortunate the number is so small. As lab tests are completed, there are far more negative results than positive test results.”
Officials indicated that federal staff are conducting contact tracing, and have been in communication with Jackson County Public Health. Local officials will be reaching out to any veterans who had potential contact, along with the family of employees.
The VA SORCC said that it began curtailing services on Friday to limit contact — transitioning to virtual care and a mobile pharmacy and lab. Admissions to the facility are on hold, with veterans offered services by phone, telehealth, or virtual care.
“Veterans who are concerned they may have symptoms of COVID, flu or cold should call 1-541-826-2111 to speak to their team or send a secure message through MyHealtheVet,” the VA said.
Clinics in White City, Klamath Falls, and Grants Pass will continue mandatory screening for coronavirus, the VA said.
“These measures will help protect those who trust VA for their care and the employees who provide that care. Additional changes to our operations may be made as the situation changes,” officials said.
