MONTGOMERY — The Bill Nichols Veterans Home in Alexander City had 42 active cases of COVID-19 Friday and has had 18 deaths, Alabama Veterans Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis said Friday.

Since testing began April 3, the home, which has been particularly hard hit, has had 85 confirmed cases among residents. Thirty-nine employees have tested positive since March 30.

The Alexander City facility has about 131 residents and 200 staff members, all of whom have been tested.

Test are being conducted at other VA homes only when individuals exhibit symptoms, he said.

Davis said the VA is continuing to work with the Alabama Department of Public Health in securing more tests for facilities when needed.

Bob Horton, a spokesperson for Alabama’s VA department, told ADN on Friday that no other residents in VA homes in the state have tested positive for COVID-19, though employees have.

Also Friday, Davis said the VA is assessing its 51 offices in the state to determine which can open to customer services Monday. He said some will be able to offer in-person services on an appointment basis, others will offer services only over the phone, and some will be closed and customers will be referred to a neighboring county’s facility.