As of March 10 at 6 a.m. a new screening process for volunteers, visitors and veterans who are entering the facility and grounds will be in place at Erie’s VA Medical Center. This is to detect and identify possible COVID-19 risks and help locate medical treatment.

Everyone will need to enter the facility via the 38th Street main entrance, except for Behavioral Health and Ambulatory Surgery appointments. Those will be screened separately.

Vets displaying symptoms such as a temperature in excess of 100 degrees, shortness of breath, coughing or other flu symptoms are urged to contact their primary care providers prior to visiting the main grounds or clinics. Veterans can use the My HealtheVet program online or call 814 866-8661 and press 3 to talk with a nurse.

For the time being, valet service is suspended to lower the likelihood of possible infection. Vets may park in the valet section.

These entry and parking procedures will remain in effect until further notice, according to the Erie VA Medical Center.