Contact Tracing

What is contact tracing?

Contact tracing is a process when public health staff work with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 to help them recall everyone with whom they have had close contact during the time when they may have been infectious.

Who is a close contact?

A close contact is someone who was within 6 feet of a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 for at least 15 minutes over a 24 hour period starting from 48 hours before the patient began feeling sick until the time the patient was isolated. CDC scenarios for close contact: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html

What are close contacts expected to do?

If you know you or your child are considered a close contact to a known positive, you should follow these quarantine guidelines:

If you completed a primary series of Pfizer or Moderna within the last 6 months, J&J within the last 2 months or have received a booster dose, you should wear a mask around others for 10 days after exposure and, if possible, test on day 5.
If you are unvaccinated or completed a primary series of Pfizer or Moderna more than 6 months ago or J&J more than 2 months ago, you should stay home for 5 days after exposure and continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days (days 6-10). If possible, test on day 5.

If you develop symptoms at any time, immediately obtain a test and isolate until you receive the results of that test.

What if I have been around someone who is identified as a close contact?

If you have been around someone who was identified as a close contact to a person with COVID-19, you do not need to self-quarantine. Monitor yourself for symptoms and continue to practice general face covering, social distancing, and hygiene precautions.

There is rumor of scams about contact tracing. What will the health department ask for?

We will never ask for your social security number or your credit card number. We will discuss the requirements of quarantine, symptom monitoring and options for testing.