What is “Contact Tracing”?

Disease investigations, including contact tracing, are part of the process of supporting patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection. Grand County Public Health (GCPH) completes contact tracing for every positive case in the county. In contact tracing, Grand County Public Health (GCPH) works with a patient to help them recall everyone with whom they have had close contact during the timeframe while they may have been infectious. They then warn these exposed individuals (contacts) of their potential exposure as rapidly and sensitively as possible. Contacts are provided with education, information, and support to understand their risk, what they should do to separate themselves from others who have not been exposed, monitor themselves for illness, and the possibility that they could spread the infection to others even if they themselves do not feel ill. Anyone contacted is assessed for symptoms throughout their quarantine. The contact is then tested for COVID-19 at the end of the 14-day period if symptoms arise. Anyone ordered to quarantine is not able to test out of quarantine due to the long incubation period of the virus.

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1. What can I do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19?
2. What is a close contact?
3. What is “Contact Tracing”?
4. What is the difference between Quarantine and Isolation?
5. Can isolation and quarantine be enforced?
6. I have been diagnosed with or am showing symptoms of COVID-19 – what should I do?
7. I think I have been exposed to COVID-19, but I’m not showing symptoms - what should I do?
8. I think I was in contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19. Now What?
9. I was told to quarantine, but I got tested and the test was negative, can I go back to work?
10. Can I get the antibody blood test to see if I had COVID-19?
11. Can you get tested in Grand County for COVID-19 if you meet the protocol? Once the person is tested, where is the specimen sent for confirmation? When will Grand County get rapid testing?
12. What are the Activity Specific Protective Measures and Guidance Playbooks?
13. What is the Compliance Verification Form?
14. What is Protect Our Neighbors?
15. How do we apply for Protect Our Neighbors?
16. How do I know what level my community is in? What rules do I follow?
17. I own a Short-Term Rental, am I allowed to operate?
18. I own a business in Grand County, what do I need to do to open?
19. What is an antibody test?
20. Do you recommend antibody testing? Why not?
21. Why do the numbers change/differ from my local health department?
22. How is it determined which county a case belongs in?
23. What’s the difference between confirmed and probable cases?
24. What community resources are available?
25. What type of healthcare is being provided?
26. What mental health and anxiety resources are available to the Grand County community?