Office of Public Affairs

Mountain Home VAMC | (423)926-1171

Mountain Home, TN 37684
www.va.gov

Press Release
March 23, 2020

Veteran tests positive for COVID-19 at Knoxville VA Clinic

MOUNTAIN HOME, TN— A Veteran tested positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19) on

March 20, 2020, at the William C. Tallent VA Outpatient Clinic in Knoxville.

The risk of transmission to other patients and staff remains low, as the facility was able to
discharge the Veteran home based on clinical status with instructions for home isolation and self-
care in accordance Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

VA is screening Veterans and staff who present with symptoms of fever, cough, and
shortness of breath who meet the CDC criteria for evaluation of COVID-19 infection. Per CDC
guidance and VA protocols, individuals known to be at risk for a COVID-19 infection are
immediately isolated to prevent potential spread to others.

Veterans and staff are encouraged to take everyday preventive actions to avoid being
exposed to the virus:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home if you are sick or becoming sick.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• If you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with symptoms, call the VA
before going to the facility.

More information for Veterans is here: https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/72615/vas-

recommendations-help-slow-covid-19-virus/

For more information about the Coronavirus, please visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

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