Contact Tracing
The Health Department is investigating confirmed cases with the help of the of the Maryland Department of Health. Contact tracers at the health department are identifying household and casual contacts and advising them on quarantine and isolation guidance. Contact tracing is an important public health tool used to stop the spread of disease. By stopping the chain of transmission we are able to save many people from dying of COVID-19.
Following guidance from the CDC, Maryland moved away from universal contact tracing in April 2022. Contact tracers continue to call those at risk for of severe illness (e.g. elderly, certain pre-existing conditions), and those residing in congregate settings (e.g. nursing homes and rehabilitation centers). We also continue
The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) has implemented a web survey to aid in the contact tracing process and will continue to use this survey moving forward. While you may not receive a call from a contact tracer if you test positive, you may receive a text and/or email with a link to the Contact Tracing Web Survey (see the FAQs about the Contact Tracing Web Survey for more information). MDH will also continue to send information related to isolation and quarantine via text and email, even if a contact tracing phone call is not made.
The key things to know if you test positive but don’t get a call, text or email, are to isolate (please see the FAQs about Isolation and Quarantine) and to tell your close contacts of their exposure. For information on how to notify your contacts please see How To Talk To Your Close Contacts
Contact Tracing for “At-Home” COVID-19 Tests
To initiate the contact tracing process, including receiving work or school excuse and release letters, you can report your positive test results either through the mobile app associated with your at-home test, or through the Maryland COVID Positive At-Home Test Report Portal. Log in on the portal’s home page to submit a report. If you do not have login information, you may register to create an account.
If you receive a phone call from the Washington County Health Department, it is extremely important to answer the call or call us back quickly. Your cooperation is crucial for contact tracing to be effective in stopping the chain of transmission.
What to Expect during your phone call with the health department:
We will ask you:
- To verify your name, date of birth and address
- About your health and symptoms
- Locations you have been during a specific period of time
- Names and contact information for any household and casual contacts (we do not disclose your name to anyone, only that they may have come into contact with an infected individual)
(Please be as specific as possible about the nature and location of your interaction with others, We heavily rely on positive individuals giving us accurate information of their contacts.)
We will NOT ask you about:
- Social security number
- Financial or bank account information
- Money or payment
- Immigration status
- Passwords
- Personal details unrelated to COVID-19
For more information about contact tracing please visit https://covidlink.maryland.gov/content/answer-the-call/
MD COVID Alert
MD COVID Alert pairs seamlessly with Maryland’s traditional contact tracing efforts by using Exposure Notifications technology to notify users who may have been exposed to an infected person. Opt-in today to participate in protecting all Marylanders from COVID-19.
https://covidlink.maryland.gov/content/mdcovidalert/
