Beginning 4 p.m. Wednesday March 11, all patients and visitors to the VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain and its community-based VA clinics, including Rhinelander, will be screened for signs of  and exposure to COVID-19.

The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center issued a press release stating that though the Centers for Disease Control still considers COVID-19 to be a low threat to the general American public, the medical center is paying special attention to it and will be implementing screening measures to safeguard veterans and employees from potential exposure to the virus.

Everyone entering the medical center or a clinic will be screen for signs of respiratory illness. If screened positive, the individual will be treated.

Enrolled veterans who have flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath, should call the nurse triage line at 906-774-3300 (toll free 800-215-8262), extension 33101, before visiting their provider at the VA medical center or local VA clinic. Patients are advised to allow for longer entry times when arriving for an appointment.

For more information on COVID-19, including steps to protect yourself and others, see https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html