On July 27, 2020, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) issued Circular 26-20-27, dated July 22, 2020, to address COVID-19 precautions for Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) project stakeholders. 

VA advises that SAH contractors, compliance inspectors, and other project stakeholders are encouraged to follow the policies outlined in the Circular from the date of issuance. VA also requests that for all in-person or in-house meetings, contractors, compliance inspectors, and other project stakeholders take all reasonable steps to safeguard themselves, the veteran they are assisting, and the veteran’s household. VA specifically requests that:

• Compliance inspectors assigned to inspect properties on behalf of the SAH program follow all current local health and safety guidance and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines regarding handwashing and the use of masks or cloth face coverings.
• Building contractors, subcontractors, designers, and other construction specialists follow all current local health and safety guidance, CDC guidelines, and the Department of Labor’s OSHA control and prevention standards.

VA also advises that SAH eligible veterans and their representatives have the right to request that all individuals accessing their homes wear a mask or cloth face covering.