LEBANON COUNTY, Pa, (WHTM) — A veteran in Lebanon County has tested presumptive positive for COVID-19 or coronavirus according to the Lebanon VA Medical Center.

ABC27 learned this from an email, sent out to employees this morning, informing staff members that a presumptive positive coronavirus case has been identified.

“The Veteran was seen and treated in our Emergency Department before being sent home to self-isolate with appropriate follow-up care,” said Douglas Etter, Chief Communications Officer, Office of the Director, Lebanon VA Medical Center.

The email to staff goes on to commend the screening teams in place at the hospital for identifying the veteran as they arrived on the property.

“Our main goals are to protect our staff and uninfected patients, prepare for an influx of patients with suspected/confirmed COVID-19, and limit the spread of COVID-19 transmission,” said Etter. “Medical center leadership remains in close contact with the CDC, VHA and Pennsylvania Department of Health. We continue to monitor new information about this virus and adapt our policies and procedures as needed. We will continue to utilize CDC and VHA guidance to screen patients for potential COVID-19 infection. This includes inquiring about patients’ travel history and symptoms associated with the virus.”

Employees at the hospital were told they would be kept informed while protecting the privacy of the veterans they serve.

Lebanon VA Medical Center has been conducting screenings since March 9, 2020 and restricting access, to mitigate the risk of COVID-19.

This is the first presumptive positive COVID-19 case reported at a federal VA medical facility in Pennsylvania. There are 8 facilities in the state: Lebanon, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Butler, Erie, Altoona, Wilkes-Barre and Coatesville.

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