Public Health Department modifies contact tracing investigation process

HUMBOLDT COUNTY, Calif. (KIEM) — Due to the recent surge in covid-19 cases, the way Public Health conducts contact tracing investigations is going to look a little different moving forward and is asking for the public’s help.

Contact tracers will still be reaching out to each resident that tests positive, but then the case will be assigned as either “priority” or “low-risk”

If the case is a priority, then investigators will follow up directly with close contacts. If the case is considered low-risk, the person will be asked to reach out to their own close contacts right away to notify them of exposure and forward information on quarantine.

“We will ask some questions to find out if they are what we would classify as a higher risk case meaning that the individual works in a setting where there is congregate living, like a skilled nursing facility, assisted facility, and other sites that are deemed high priorities. For those, we will do full contact investigations,” according to County Health Officer Dr. Teresa Frankovich.

Health care workers and staff in schools or daycares are also considered high risk. Public Health says priority will be assigned on a case by case basis.