Illinois changes its COVID-19 contact tracing procedures

SPRINGFIELD, Sick. (KWQC) -The Illinois Division of Public Well being is shifting its COVID-19 contact tracing phone calls to concentrate on a extra strategic strategy of automated case notifications.

Beginning June 1, 2022, the division will not make particular person case investigation calls to individuals optimistic with COVID-19. As a substitute these people will obtain an automatic message. The brand new notification can be deployed through textual content message to all reported optimistic COVID-19 instances and a message will direct callers to sources by way of automated voice prompts in English, Polish, and Spanish. This new contact tracing course of won’t affect investigations of instances in congregate services.

The present contact tracing surge middle, applied in spring 2020, will stop operations on Might 31.

Underneath the brand new system, optimistic COVID-19 instances reported within the Illinois Nationwide Digital Illness Surveillance System (I-NEDSS) will obtain an SMS message in English and Spanish which reads:

“IDPH has essential information for you: Name 312-777-1999 or go to dph.illinois.gov/covidhelp?ch=sms Llame al 312-777-1999 o visite dph.illinois.gov/covidhelp?ch=sms”

The textual content message offers individuals with optimistic COVID-19 instances the chance to name an automatic data line or to click on on the web site hyperlink for added steering on isolation, shut contact notification, and useful resource availability.

Contact tracing was initially meant to assist sluggish the unfold of COVID-19. Now, the change comes with vast availability of vaccines, at-home testing kits, and adjustments in isolation and quarantine steering.

CDC contact tracing suggestions.

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