WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs had a problem: Some of its workers appeared to be taking home extra masks and other protective gear, most likely fearing that they might not have enough supplies to do their jobs. So the department decided it would start checking everyone’s bags before they left for the day, and officials drafted a memo to explain the new policy.

But White House officials, not wishing to draw attention to shortages of protective gear at the V.A., the nation’s largest health care system, balked at the memo’s language, which was ultimately rescinded, officials said.

Since the moment the coronavirus arrived in the United States, doctors, nurses and other medical workers have been faced with a dangerous shortage of masks and other protective gear.

In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention loosened many of its health care safety guidelines, permitting the frequent reuse of masks. These amended guidelines have raised alarms during internal meetings for health care experts within the Department of Veterans Affairs, and have caused fear and anger among workers.