During the coronavirus crisis, and always, New Jersey State AFL-CIO Union Veterans Council serves those unionists who served America

The UVC thanks union members who put their country first in times of crisis, and out of respect for all they have done and continues to do, the Council is sharing this information that’s tailored to the particular needs of veterans. We encourage all affiliates and related organizations to share it with veterans and their families.

And we thank all union members who are going above and beyond in serving their communities as we all learn how to keep a “social distance.”

COVID-19 News

Info courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and New Jersey Health Department

USEFUL LINKS

VA is ready for coronavirus — and working to protect you

Veterans: Call before Visiting Your VA Facility

Coronavirus: Be informed and call your provider if symptoms develop

Coronavirus and You

CDC coronavirus information and resources

I feel sick. Is it coronavirus disease?

Here are the symptoms:

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion or inability to arouse
Bluish lips or face

I have those symptoms. What now?

Any veteran with COVID-19 symptoms should immediately contact their local VA facility. Please call before visiting – CLICK HERE to find contact information for your closest VA facility.

Veterans also can sign into My HealtheVet to send a secure message to VA or use telehealth options to explain their condition and receive a prompt diagnosis.

Upon arriving at a VA facility, all patients will be screened for flu-like symptoms before they enter in order to protect other patients and staff.

I feel OK but I’m worried. Is there a hotline?

The New Jersey Poison Control Center and 211 have partnered with the state to provide information to the public on COVID-19:

Call 2-1-1
Call (24/7) 1-800-962-1253
Text NJCOVID to 898-211
Text your ZIP code to 898-211 for live text assistance

What can I do to stay healthy?

Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent the COVID-19 infection and no medication to treat it. CDC believes symptoms appear 2 to 14 days after exposure. Avoid exposure and avoid exposing others to an infection with these simple steps:

Learn to use VA Video Connect through the VA mobile app store or by contacting your VA care team, before any urgent problems arise.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. An easy way to mark the time is to hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice while scrubbing.
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick or becoming sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue (not your hands) and throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Get a flu shot.