“I can’t disclose who tested positive. I can only inform you about when you might have been exposed,” I explain.
“What? How am I supposed to know if I could be infected if you won’t tell me who may have infected me?” the person on the other end responds, understandably frustrated.
“Your name was provided to our public health department as someone who had contact with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19. Due to privacy regulations, I can’t reveal their identity. However, I’d like to gather some information from you, provide quarantine instructions, and address any questions you may have.”
Most individuals I contact have been exposed through a family member or friend. Often, they have already been alerted via various channels—text, call, or social media—about their acquaintance’s positive test result.
When someone in our county is confirmed positive, they are advised to isolate for ten days following the onset of symptoms and until they have been fever-free for three days without medication. This isolation can be particularly challenging for those living in small quarters, where they might confine themselves to one room. The public health objective is to keep confirmed cases and their contacts away from the community for around 14 days.
We inform contacts to consult their healthcare provider and consider testing if they exhibit symptoms such as a cough, fever, or shortness of breath. We provide detailed instructions for isolation (for symptomatic individuals) and quarantine (for asymptomatic individuals who have been exposed), and we can send exclusion letters for employers upon request. During our conversations, we collect demographic data and a brief medical history, while also discussing the disease’s basics and the necessity of a 14-day quarantine from their exposure date—the last time they interacted with a confirmed case.
“Can I take my dog for a walk?” they often ask.
Unfortunately, the answer is no. They should remain home.
Contact Tracing Demand
Contact tracing is currently in high demand, with state and private organizations hiring thousands of individuals to assist in this effort. Estimates suggest the U.S. may need between 100,000 and 300,000 contact tracers during the pandemic. Typically, public health departments seek candidates with strong customer service skills, some medical knowledge, and an understanding of patient confidentiality.
Some tracers interview the initial positive case to gather information: Who were they with in the 48 hours before symptoms appeared? Where did they go? Others focus on following up with contacts—individuals who were within six feet of a confirmed case for more than 15 minutes, regardless of mask usage.
In our county, we have a dedicated COVID-19 line providing access to information and resources, including testing. While some individuals require significant support during quarantine or isolation, others rely on their own network of family and friends for essential supplies and assistance.
We follow up with contacts, though not daily. An important part of our role is to determine whether they develop symptoms during the quarantine period. If they do test positive, they may be reassigned as a confirmed case, and we start the information-sharing process all over again.
If we cannot reach a case or contact after several attempts via phone, text, or email, we send a letter. If you receive communication from your local public health department, please respond promptly.
Most individuals I interact with are cooperative and understanding, but it’s clear that many are anxious about their health, grieving loss, or worried about their jobs. The stories I hear during these calls about COVID-19’s impact on my community are often heart-wrenching.
Staying Safe
We are all striving to minimize our losses and stay healthy. It requires collective adherence to public health directives to reduce the spread of the virus. To learn more about the virus’s transmission and precautions, check out this insightful article from The Salt Lake Tribune.
Remember to avoid the three C’s:
- CLOSED spaces with poor ventilation
- CROWDED places
- CLOSE contact with others.
Please wear a face covering in public, practice good hand hygiene, and stay safe. I really hope I don’t have to call you.
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Summary
Contact tracing is a crucial public health measure during the pandemic, focusing on identifying and notifying individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19. The process involves gathering information while maintaining confidentiality, providing quarantine instructions, and emphasizing the importance of adhering to public health guidelines to minimize the virus’s spread.
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