Va st. Louis health care system masking policy and visiting hours have changed | va st louis health care | veterans affairs

St. Louis , MO — Starting April 24, 2023, VA St. Louis Health Care System (VASTHCS) is experiencing a major shift in COVID operations. Masking is no longer required in public spaces like

hallways, lobbies, tunnels, elevators, and most waiting rooms. This includes all community based clinics and annexes. Masking is still required in higher risk areas such as the Spinal Cord

Injury Unit and Community Living Center at Jefferson Barracks, and at the following John Cochran areas: Emergency Room Dept., Urgent Care/Walk-In Clinic, 9th Floor Testing Clinic, All

intensive care units, Operating Rooms including pre/post op areas, Dialysis, Radiation Oncology, and the Pulmonary Function Tests Lab. Masks will be available at the main hospital entrance

and at masking zone locations. While masking is no longer required at many VASTLHCS locations, patients or their caregivers may ask that staff wear a mask during their care visit. Visiting

Hours have expanded at John Cochran VA Hospital for general visitations. The new hours are 7 days a week, 10am to 9pm. Children under age 10 are NOT allowed to visit in patient wards or be

left unattended at any time. For questions about visiting hours at Jefferson Barracks Division, continue to contact the nursing staff where the patient is located. Visitors are asked not to

visit hospital facilities if they have COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. The safety of Veteran patients and staff remains a high priority. If COVID-19

transmission rates change drastically, VASTLHCS may return to mandatory masking throughout its facilities, reduce visiting hours, and enact other measures as required. The public is asked

for their continued patience and to follow masking zone signs when visiting.