Contact tracing is not a new strategy for combating spreading disease, but it was not well known by the general public until the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is Contact Tracing?

At its very core, it is a way of helping slow the spread of illness by finding people who were potentially infected (contacts) who could spread illness before ever exhibiting symptoms or signs of the infection.

The contact tracing process begins when a person is diagnosed with an illness, in this case COVID-19.

Then the tracers work together to help the patient remember whom all they might have been in contact with.

The patient’s identity is never identified, even to someone potentially exposed, due to privacy laws protecting them.

A contact is educated on the illness, how to stay isolated from other people, and how to monitor for the illness.

Just because a contact may not feel ill, does not mean they cannot spread the disease. A person can be asymptomatic (not showing signs of illness) and still spread the virus.

Contacts are asked to stay home for fourteen days after their last exposure, in case they do become ill.

If an exposed person believes they are developing symptoms, they will be quickly tested for the infection.

Who handles Contact Tracing?

People who handle contact tracing are highly trained in a variety of areas to best respect the privacy and life of contacts.

Some of the skills required are:

–Respecting the patient’s privacy rights

–Understanding of medical terms and principles of infection

–Interviewing skills, cultural sensitivity, and excellent interpersonal skills

–Counseling in a crisis knowledge

–Locating patients and engaging ones who are reluctant

Multiple people on a local and state level handle contact tracing, including your local doctor’s office or hospital, or a member of the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.

Many other things tie in with what a contact tracer does; it is not solely about finding who all was exposed.

A tracer also helps decide if a person can safely isolate at home, or if they need hospitalization.

Support is provided, including a patient care package (gloves, thermometers, sanitizer, mask), and in some cases even medical, food, housing and economic help is given.

With the virus popping up more frequently in Freestone County, the needs for tracing grows.

If you are contacted, be patient and follow the contact tracer’s instructions carefully.