State Credits Early Action in Preventing COVID-19 Outbreaks in Veterans Homes

Across the U.S., facilities that provide long-term care to elderly or disabled veterans have become hotspots for outbreaks of COVID-19.

But, so far, tragic flare-ups have been avoided at veterans homes in California, an achievement touted by Gov. Gavin Newsom in a Friday visit to the Veterans Home of California-Yountville in Napa County.

"That's because of the seriousness of purpose that was advanced weeks before California's stay-at-home order was put into place," Newsom said.

Staff across California's eight veterans homes began scaling up their cleaning and distancing practices in February and barred visitors beginning March 15, four days before Newsom announced his statewide order.

The latest data from the state's Department of Veterans Affairs show just three coronavirus cases and two deaths among the nearly 2,100 residents in the system.

"I’m delighted that we have such success in protecting the wonderful men and women who are our connection to our past," said Dr. Vito Imbasciani, the department's secretary.

Newsom's visit to the Yountville facility, on the cusp of Memorial Day weekend, comes a day after his administration was criticized for a budget proposal to close a veterans home in Barstow, in San Bernardino County, within the next two years.

“I want to make sure that this is done in the most delicate and sensitive way because you’re transforming and changing people's lives," said state Sen. Anna Caballero, D-Salinas, who recommended the Legislature reject the proposal.

CalVet officials pointed to ongoing challenges in finding staff and residents for the home, and noted that the facility did not meet department criteria for providing appropriate levels of care, or being close to a large veteran population or VA medical facility.

— Guy Marzorati (@GuyMarzorati)