Leading the Way in Response to COVID-19: How the Department of Veterans Affairs Long Beach Healthcare System is Navigating a Global Pandemic

In response to the growing pandemic that has overwhelmed the United States, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) quickly adapted its facilities to protect veterans and staff from COVID-19. Nationally, the VA has tested over 780,000 veterans and employees, and has diagnosed 58,240 veterans with COVID-19. Of the 58,240 veterans who have tested positive for COVID-19, 10,697 of them have been admitted to a VA facility.¹ While these numbers remain volatile and continue to increase, the VA is prioritizing the implementation of safety precautions throughout its facilities, as well as adjusting its online platforms to provide alternative methods of care.