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Contact tracing is a method that public health officials and epidemiologists have relied on for years in their fight against infectious diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis. This tool helps to identify individuals who might be at risk and prevent further transmission. As the country continues to reopen, contact tracing may play a key role in containing the spread. However, many are uncertain about the power of a contact tracer and what it means if one reaches out to them. Here are the details.
Though the use of contact tracing apps has been discussed, the traditional approach involves human contact tracers. A contact tracer is a person who traces all the individuals a sick person might have interacted with during the contagious period. Equipped with this information, the contact tracer reaches out to these people to check if they have any symptoms and advises them to self-quarantine or self-isolate. (Just to clarify: Quarantine refers to staying home after potential exposure to avoid spreading illness, while isolation is for those who have symptoms and are advised to stay home to prevent further spread.)
If the contact tracer identifies someone with symptoms, the process is repeated, as they trace the contacts of that individual to uncover more people who may have been exposed.
So, what happens if a contact tracer reaches out to inform you that you may have been exposed to an infection?
Contact tracers cannot reveal identities.
When a contact tracer contacts you, they are not permitted to disclose who might have exposed you to the infection. They are only allowed to inform you that you were potentially in close contact with someone who was ill. This confidentiality is in place to protect patient privacy.
If you have symptoms, the contact tracer will ask you to list all the places you’ve visited and the people you’ve interacted with, including the duration of those interactions. This helps them evaluate the exposure levels. According to the CDC's guidelines, a close contact is defined as “someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes, starting from 48 hours before the onset of symptoms until the patient is isolated.”
The contact tracer will then proceed to reach out to all the individuals or businesses you mentioned, notifying them of their potential exposure. Once again, your identity will remain confidential.
Collaborating with a contact tracer is optional. No one is required to provide a complete list of places they’ve visited or people they’ve interacted with. However, sharing this information helps those who may have been exposed understand their risk, enabling them to take proper precautions to prevent spreading the infection.
Contact tracers are expected to offer both education and guidance.
A key aspect of a contact tracer's role is to inform individuals about the significance of their exposure. This includes advising them on the necessary actions to take, such as staying home for 14 days and monitoring for symptoms.
Being a contact tracer requires a diverse skill set, with medical knowledge of COVID-19 being just one component. Tracers must be able to gain detailed personal information from complete strangers while remaining empathetic to the emotional responses of individuals who may be sick or learning that they might have been exposed to a serious illness. Additionally, contact tracers must have the persistence to reach out to everyone on their list, which can be challenging.
Self-quarantine and self-isolation remain voluntary.
Currently, self-isolation and self-quarantine are voluntary, though there could be legal consequences if you refuse to comply with a request to follow these measures. Both state and federal governments have the authority to mandate isolation and quarantine legally. However, such actions are rare, and as of now, they have not been enforced.
Ideally, you won’t ever receive a call from a contact tracer. But if you do, at least you’ll have a better understanding of what to expect.
