June 5, 2023 10:00 a.m. 

The Roseburg VA Medical Center is updating its COVID-19 safety precautions, including relaxing masking requirements at VA medical facilities.

A VA release said except for high-risk areas and situations, universal masking is no longer required. This is in line with Centers for Disease Control guidance and builds on the lessons learned in the last three years on how to keep patients and staff safe.

Masks will continue to be required for staff, veterans and visitors while in these high-risk areas:

*Urgent care and associated waiting areas

*Community living centers for staff and visitors only, with the exception that visitors to CLC’s may unmask when visiting with a patient within that patient’s room or outside

Masking continues to be required:

*For those with a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection or other viral respiratory infection

*For health care providers caring for those with known or suspected COVID-19

*For VHA health care personnel upon request of a veteran patient, caregiver or family member

*Where local leadership warrants that continued masking is required

Moving forward, the VA will monitor any changes to CDC guidelines and update infection control recommendations as necessary.

For more information regarding COVID-19 policies at the VA, go to: https://www.va.gov/coronavirus-veteran-frequently-asked-questions/