“I can’t disclose the identity of the person who tested positive. What I can tell you is when you might have been exposed,” I explain to the caller.
“Wait, how am I supposed to know if I’m at risk if you won’t tell me who infected me?” they respond.
“I understand your concern. Your name was provided to our public health department because you were in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. For privacy reasons, I can’t share that person’s identity. However, I’d like to gather some information from you and provide quarantine instructions, as well as answer any questions you may have.”
Many of the people I reach out to have been exposed by a friend or family member. Often, they’ve already learned about the positive test through texts or social media.
When a person in our county tests positive, they are notified and must isolate themselves—staying away from others for ten days after their symptoms begin and until they’ve been fever-free for three days without medication. This isolation can be particularly difficult for those living in smaller spaces, where individuals often have to confine themselves to a single room. The aim of public health officials is to keep those who have tested positive, known as cases, and those who have been in contact with them, referred to as contacts, out of the community for about 14 days.
We advise contacts to reach out to their healthcare provider and consider getting tested if they develop symptoms such as a cough, fever, or shortness of breath. We send out detailed instructions about isolation for those who are sick and quarantine for asymptomatic individuals who have been exposed, along with work exclusion letters if necessary. We collect demographic information and a brief medical history from the contacts. It’s essential to discuss the basics of the virus and emphasize the need for a 14-day quarantine from their last exposure to the positive case. They are instructed to avoid leaving home except for medical appointments, even if they do not exhibit symptoms, as we know asymptomatic individuals can still spread the virus.
“Can I take my dog for a walk?”
Unfortunately, no. You should remain at home.
Contact Tracing: A Growing Field
Contact tracing is a rapidly growing field, with many individuals being hired by private companies, state agencies, and non-profits. Estimates suggest that the U.S. may require between 100,000 and 300,000 contact tracers during the pandemic. Typically, public health departments are seeking candidates with strong customer service skills, some medical background, an understanding of patient confidentiality, and knowledge of COVID-19.
Some contact tracers interview individuals who tested positive to gather information: Who were they with 48 hours prior to showing symptoms? Where did they go? What activities did they engage in? Others focus on reaching out to those who were in contact with confirmed cases. A contact is defined as someone who was 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 hotline where residents can access information and resources, including testing. While some individuals may require significant support during their quarantine or isolation, others are fortunate enough to have friends and family who can help by delivering food and medication or walking their dogs without direct contact.
We follow up with contacts, but not every day. Part of this follow-up involves assessing whether they have developed symptoms during their quarantine. If they do test positive, they are reclassified as a confirmed case, and the process of reaching out to their contacts begins anew.
If we cannot reach a case or their contact by phone, text, or email after several attempts, we send a letter. If your county’s public health department tries to reach you, please respond promptly.
Most individuals I speak with are cooperative and polite, but anxiety is common as people grapple with the fear of illness, loss of loved ones, and concerns about their livelihoods. The stories I hear while making these calls about the impact of COVID-19 in our community are often heartbreaking.
We are all trying to minimize our losses while staying safe and healthy, and it takes collective effort to adhere to public health guidelines to reduce the spread of the virus. For more insights on how COVID-19 spreads and precautions to take, 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 mask in public, wash your hands, and keep safe. Trust me, I really don’t want to have to call you.
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Summary
The article discusses the role of contact tracers during the COVID-19 pandemic, detailing the process of notifying individuals who have been exposed to the virus while emphasizing the importance of privacy and public health directives. It highlights the challenges faced by individuals in isolation and the collective responsibility to follow safety guidelines to minimize the spread of the virus.