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BOSTON , MA — Today, the VA Boston Healthcare System is implementing COVID-19 Health Protection Levels as part VA’s consistent, nationwide approach for Veterans Health Administration

facilities to adjust COVID-19 safety protocols locally as needed. The three VHA COVID-19 Health Protection Levels – low, medium, and high – align with the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention's community transmission levels, which are based on new COVID cases and the percentage of positive tests. Starting this week, VA Boston HCS is at level High. The VHA COVID-19

Health Protection Level will be updated as needed on Mondays. Masks are required regardless of the level, but requirements for self-screening, visitation and physical distancing vary: Low:

* Masks are required * Self-screening is required * Visitors are welcome during visiting hours* * Physical distancing is not required Medium: * Masks are required * Self-screening is

required * Visitation may be limited, ask the care team for details* * Physical distancing is not required High: * Masks are required * Self-screening is required * Visitation may be

limited, ask the care team for details* * Physical distancing is required * For more information on visitation and escorting outpatients, please visit our policies page. Please visit

www.boston.va.gov or call 800-273-8255 for current protection levels before your next visit. Patients or visitors heading to a VA facility in another VA Healthcare System should check with

that health facility to determine its VHA COVID-19 Health Protection Level. Visit www.va.gov/coronavirus-veteran-frequently-asked-questions/ for questions and answers regarding the VHA

COVID-19 Health Protection Levels.