Military and Veterans FAQs

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• Why is the SDVC the place to transition the County’s COVID-19 Military and Veterans Telebriefings?

  The County of San Diego and the SDVC have worked together throughout the pandemic to create the COVID-19 Military and Veterans Telebriefing. The SDVC is bedrock of the Veterans network, and has always disseminated information to the community. 

• How long will the County Military & Veterans Sector Team provide COVID-19 updates on the SDVC monthly meeting?

  The County of San Diego’s Chief Resilience Officer, Gary Johnston, and Medical Subject Matter Expert, Dr. John Malone, will provide updates as long as there is news regarding COVID-19.

• What is the date and time of the Military and Veterans Sector telebriefing?

  The military and veterans sector telebriefings are hosted by the San Diego Veterans Coalition (SDVC) on the first Friday of the month from 8:30 AM-10:00 AM. 

• How is the County EOC working with the EOCs on Navy and Marine Corps installations to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

  County and military installations staff worked together to train military personnel on how to prevent the spread of the virus. The County shares the Situation Report with military commanders, and other agencies within the County, to show how the County maintains communication within the various sectors. The County provides real-time information to the San Diego community via weekly telebriefings and e-blasts from multiple community sectors. The County liaison communicates with military medical personnel to keep track of positive COVID-19 cases.

• How are the County’s vaccine rates compared with the State’s?

  The County of San Diego is working closely with federal and state agencies and the local healthcare community to monitor and test for the COVID-19 virus in the region. To view the number of vaccine doses given in San Diego County, visit the COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard. Vaccinations are free, and walk-ins are available. For more information on vaccines, please visit Coronavirus-SD.com.

• The County of San Diego is working closely with federal and state agencies and the local healthcare community to monitor and test for the COVID-19 virus in the region. To view the number of vaccine doses given in San Diego County, visit the COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard. Vaccinations are free, and walk-ins are available. For more information on vaccines, please visit Coronavirus-SD.com.

  If you receive emails and/or calls selling COVID-19 test kits, call the District Attorney Hotline at (619)- 531-3507 to report the company or individual selling the test kits.

• I’ve heard a lot about the County’s COVID Testing strategy—the “T3 strategy.” What does T3 stand for, and how is this strategy affecting COVID-19 rates in the County?

  T3 stands for Test, Trace, and Treat.  The strategy is to locate asymptomatic individuals who may be positive for COVID-19. Once those individuals are identified, the tracing process involves contacting the asymptomatic persons (positive for COVID-19 without symptoms) and the individuals they have been in contact with to test if they are positive for COVID-19, and isolate (treat) those individuals. T3 also tracks COVID-19 infection and vaccination rates in the County on the Vaccination Dashboard.

• If I tested positive for COVID-19, do I need to get tested again before returning to work?

  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states employers are not required to have their employees who tested positive for COVID-19 be tested again before returning to work.

• Is it possible for COVID-19 to be transmitted to pets? If so, what is being done to monitor and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in pets on a local level?

  Is it possible for COVID-19 to be transmitted to pets? If so, what is being done to monitor and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in pets on a local level?

• How is the County EOC working with the EOCs on Navy and Marine Corps installations to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

  County and military installations staff worked together to train military personnel on how to prevent the spread of the virus. The County shares the Situation Report with military commanders, and other agencies within the County, to show how the County maintains communication within the various sectors. The County provides real-time information to the San Diego community via weekly telebriefings and e-blasts from multiple community sectors. The County liaison communicates with military medical personnel to keep track of positive COVID-19 cases.

• Who should we contact to donate PPE?

  Please e-mail donatecovid19@rchsd.org or call 1 (800) 258-0007 if you would like to donate PPE. 

• Has there been an increase in suicides or other mental health issues as it relates to the pandemic?

  There has not been an increase in suicide rates in San Diego County, however, there has been an increase in fatalities due to substance abuse. There is an opioid epidemic that is nationwide and impacting San Diego. Fentanyl contamination of cocaine and other street drugs have led to clusters of overdoses in San Diego.

• What is the San Diego County Medical Reserve Corps? Are volunteer opportunities available?

  The San Diego Medical Reserve Corps, or MRC, is a community-based group of local medical and health workers who can serve as volunteers during a local health emergency. The San Diego Medical Reserve Corps continues to look for licensed clinicians with current active and unencumbered licenses who are interested in and are readily available to support COVID-19 response activities, such as handling medical-related phone inquiries, assisting with training/presentations to healthcare entities, serving at a call center, and other related support activities. The MRC is currently in need of Infectious Disease Specialists, Infection Control Nurses, and Epidemiologists.  However, a wide range of licensed medical and/or mental health professionals can also volunteer, including Physicians and physician assistants, Nurses (including nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses and certified nurse assistants), Psychologists, counselors, and other mental health professionals, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, Paramedics and emergency medical technicians, Dentists, Veterinarians, and Other health professionals and non-medical volunteers.  If you are interested in joining the San Diego’s Medical Reserve Corp, please email MRC-VOLCOORD.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov or you may also register directly on the state website https://healthcarevolunteers.ca.gov/index.php.

• Does the Naval Medical Center have to comply with County Public Health Orders? Is Naval hospital conducting elective-type surgeries or procedures?

  The Naval Medical Center does not have to comply with County Public Health Orders. That being said, the Naval Medical Center complies with County Public Health Orders to maintain continuity. As of May 19, 2020, the U.S. Department of Defense announced all elective surgical, invasive, and dental procedures may resume at military medical and dental treatment facilities. 

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• Where can we find information about local communities online or webinars to help us manage the stress of all of this COVID-19?

  To find information about local communities online or webinars to help manage the stress visit the County of San Diego website (Coronavirus-sd.com), the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website (CDC.gov) or call the San Diego Access Crisis Line at (888)-724-7240. Other resources available include Courage to Call (877) 698-7838 or dial 2-1-1 and select option 4, or online chat at www.courage2call.org.Contact your Employee Assistance Program (EPA) if you or your spouse's employeroffers an EPA.

• Is Veterans Affairs still processing claims and disabilities?

  Yes, the San Diego County Office of Military and Veterans Affairs are still processing claims and disabilities. For more information call (858)-694-3222 or visit SanDiegoCounty.gov.

• How often should I clean the cloth mask I use to cover my face?

  The cloth mask should be cleaned after each outing to prevent the spread of the disease. If you leave your house multiple times a day, please change your cloth mask to prevent the spread of the disease.

• Are military bases required to adhere to the County Public Health Orders?

  Although military installations do not have to follow the County Public Health Orders, they do so to maintain continuity throughout San Diego County.  Military installations adhere to the County Public Health Orders as long as the orders do not affect military operations. 

• Are there volunteer organizations veterans can join to help fellow San Diegans?

  Yes, volunteers can register at Justserve.org, TeamRubicon.org, and the Medical Reserve Corp at MRC.hhs.gov.  There are several projects listed by the County on these websites (i.e. food distribution/delivery or assembly of hygiene kits, etc.)

• Is the VA able to perform in-person Compensation & Pension Exams for veterans?

  As of May 28, 2020, the VA resumed in-person C&P exams. Find a VA location near you.

• What authorities does the county have over incorporated cities?

  Incorporated cities that do not have their own public health systems are contracted with the County Public Health Office and abide by the County Public Health Orders.  Public Health Orders given by the state or the region prevails over any orders given by incorporated cities.

• How has the Pandemic affected the suicide rate amongst veterans?

  There is no evidence that the pandemic has affected the veterans’ suicide rate.  The pandemic has affected veterans the same way it has impacted everyone; physically, socially, and economically.  Those factors have a significant impact on how veterans receive care from the VA medical facilities.  For more information, please call the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1800-273-8255.

• Are there respite services we can highlight so caregivers can get a break?

  The Horse of the Sun Ranch is a great respite service for caregivers.  It gives caregivers an opportunity to take a break and recover from their daily activities.  Also, the staff at ASYMCA San Diego can provide respite services to military caregivers and families.  For more information, please visit Asysd.org

  Southern Caregiver Resource Center offers free and confidential caregiver support services from clinical coaching (Operation Family Caregiver, which specifically supports military and veteran caregivers), respite, bilingual education and programs, and more.  For more information, please contact scrc. care or call (800) 827-1008.

• What is the VA doing in offering COVID Testing? Do veterans have to make appointments to get tested or can they walk-in?

  The VA has implemented a curbside testing program that is available by appointment.  It is recommended that you contact your healthcare provider first before going to the VA hospital, however, in severe cases, the VA can test walk-ins and has a 24-hour turnaround time for COVID-19 testing. 

• Has there been an increase in suicides or other mental health issues as it relates to the pandemic?

  There has not been an increase in suicide rates in San Diego County, however, there has been an increase in fatalities due to substance abuse. There is an opioid epidemic that is nationwide and impacting San Diego. Fentanyl contamination of cocaine and other street drugs have led to clusters of overdoses in San Diego, including incidents in the last few weeks.

• Are there any services providing pick-up/delivery of food distribution items to Veterans?

  Courage to Call has free food distributions every second and fourth Saturday of the month for Active Duty members, Veterans, Guard, reservists, and their families. Please email couragetocall@mhsinc.org for location information for each distribution or visit Courage2Call.org.

  If you are in need of food assistance, please call 2-1-1.  San Diego is a free, 24 hour confidential phone service and searchable online database.   

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• Is the VA hospital conducting COVID-19 testing?

  The VA offers diagnostic testing for Veterans currently enrolled in VA healthcare and meet the CDC testing criteria. At this time, there is no copay for testing. Veterans who wish to receive a COVID-19 test at the VA must schedule an appointment. Schedule a COVID-19 test at the VA. 

• Does the VA offer COVID-19 vaccines? Do veterans have to make an appointment, or are walk-ins available?

  The VA is offering COVID-19 vaccines to all veterans, their spouses and caregivers, and CHAMPVA recipients. Both walk-in hours and appointments are available. Find a VA facility near you that offers COVID-19 vaccines.

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• Is the VA offering in-person TAP classes?

  Although the VA is not conducting the in-person TAP classes, VA is offering the TAP course on DOD’s on-line portal called Joint Knowledge Online (JKO). VA is still offering Service members and their families one-on-one sessions which are being conducted by the contracted Benefits Advisors via conference call.

• Do the County's current COVID-19 cases include military cases?

  Yes, the County's current COVID-19 cases do include military cases.

• If my spouse is deployed and I begin to show signs and symptoms of COVID-19, what should I do with my kids while I am in isolation?

  Having a family care plan is really important. Prior to deploying, active duty personnel are required to complete a family care plan. If you show signs and symptoms of COVID-19, treat it as a cold and sanitize the surface areas in the house frequently. If you have a fever and cough, please use a face covering to prevent the spread of the disease.

• To reduce the spread of COVID-19, I have noticed sometimes security forces will not touch CAC cards of oncoming personnel. What are navy installations doing to maintain force protection while also trying to limit the spread of contamination?

  Normally drivers would present their military ID card to the sentries at the gate, and a sentry would physical and visually inspect and scan the ID. Due to the pandemic, measures have been taken to prevent the spread of the disease. Sentries will visually inspect (front and back) and scan the ID to allow visitors on base. Sentries at the gate and visitors to the base are required to wear a mask; If visitors do not have a mask, they are to take precautions not to expose the sentries to respiratory droplets. Military Police (MP) will not physically show up to an accident site to take accident reports. Drivers are to report accidents over the phone and an MP will file the report.

• What resources at fleet and family can quarantined service members utilize to maintain a healthy mindset?

  The Fleet and Family Support Center have a variety of resources available to service members and their families to including several counseling options and family activities. For more information, please visit navy.mil. For additional resources, visit Military OneSource at http://www.militaryonesource.mil/ or call 1-800-342-9647v. For additional counseling services, please visit the Armed Services YMCA San Diego website. ASYMCA offers TeleHealth Clinical Counseling, Drive Through Food Drive Registration is 6 PM via Facebook @ASYSanDiego and Online Programming as well. 

• Is there a way for veterans to virtually access the Navy’s Retired Activities Program?

  The Navy’s Retired Activities Program cannot be accessed virtually. However, veterans can call 1-(833)-330-6622 to obtain information about the Navy’s Retired Activities Program.

• What is the best way service members and the public can receive updated information about military installations in response to COVID-19?

  The best way for service members and the public to receive information about military installations in response to COVID-19 is to visit the installation’s website or visit the County of San Diego Military and Veterans Sector’s website for up to date information. For more information in response to COVID-19, please visit the County of San Diego website coronavirus-sd.com/.   

• Could you provide an update on CDC operations and drop-in childcare aboard NMC?

  Childcare aboard NMC is open to active duty military. The childcare facilities are taking precautionary measures to ensure children are safe and not expose to anything that can cause a child to become sick. Children are kept at one section of the childcare facilities while the other end is kept empty, sanitized, and ready to use in case of an emergency. Children are monitored every day for symptoms, and parents are informed if a child needs to stay home for quarantine purposes.

• Are veterans with disabilities or retires allowed to come in on-base and use the commissaries and NEX's?

  There are no restrictions or changes to base access. If veterans and/or retirees had access to military bases prior to the pandemic, they still have access. Some bases have instituted restrictive hours (active duty, veterans, seniors), however, access to the base has not changed.

• What specific things has the Naval Medical Center done to support both active duty and veteran service members and their families during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic?

  The Naval Medical Center is constantly working on ways to keep the active-duty military, veterans, and their families healthy.  The Naval Medical Center has come up with different ways to provide healthcare to the military community; 70 percent of appointments are virtual (most over the phone), and Inpatient Care has over 120 negative pressure rooms. The Naval Medical Center has a contingency plan for a surge of positives for COVID-19.  There’s a system to rapidly test active duty members to make sure they are healthy.

  If the public is having any other type of serious illness (e.g: broken bone, chest pain, etc), know it is safe to go to the Emergency department to be treated. Measures are being taken to ensure the safety and health of all patients.

• Has Balboa Naval Hospital been supporting other local hospitals and healthcare clinics by taking non-military COVID-19 patients?

  Balboa Naval hospital is very integrated with the community.  There has not been a need for the Naval hospital to provide support to other local hospitals and healthcare clinics.  The naval hospital is ready to provide the necessary support if the County is in need.

• Is childcare available for parents while going to appointments?

  The Naval Medical Center has the capability to provide childcare for parents attending appointments, but the Naval Medical Center does not recommend bringing children to the hospital.  If you are urgently ill and need emergency care, the Naval Medical center has the capability to provide childcare support, but children who are not ill should come to the hospital only as a last resort.

• Who is conducting the contact tracing?

  County Public Health Officers are conducting contact tracing.

• Is the Armed Services YMCA offering any summer programs?

  The Armed Services YMCA has summer programs and events schedule for summer 2021. To view their programs and events, visit www.asymca.org/san-diego-home. 

• How can I get a base ID for my new spouse?

  They can make online ID card appt here: https://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil/

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• What can veterans living abroad do about medicines needed from the Veterans Affairs?

  Continue to do the same thing you were doing prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The VA hospital will mail your prescriptions to your place of residence. VA Hospital providers cannot travel to Mexico to provide physical care because they are not licensed to work in Mexico. Call your healthcare provider before going to the VA hospital for further assistance on how to proceed.

• Will telehealth be made available to veterans living in Mexico?

  Yes, telehealth is available to veterans living in Mexico depending if they have the technological capabilities. The VA healthcare personnel are not licensed in Mexico, however, they can prescribe something to be picked up locally.