Marion County Health Department Administrator Melissa Mallow says the state has taken over COVID-19 contact tracing for all but congregate care facilities.
She reports the health department’s grant to provide that service for the state ends at the close of the year.
Mallow greets the change as good news for operation of the health department noting it will allow them to get back to the other services the health department provides that have been on the back burner in many cases due to the work involved in contact tracing. She admits the contact tracing has been difficult since so many try to avoid contact with the health department.
Mallow says the department will continue to process COVID-19 cases and deaths sent to the department by the state along with contact tracing for those who test positive at schools, day cares, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and CILA’s.
Illinois Public Health officials hope the change will relieve a burden from the local departments as the number of new cases continue to set new records since the pandemic began. They report starting December 28th all positive cases entered into the State’s data systems associated with a cell phone number will receive an automated text message from IDPH that will read IDPH COVID: There is important info for you. Call 312-777-1999. There will also be a link to click for more information.
The Illinois Department of Public Health says Individuals who call the number in the text will be considered as “opting in” for an interview. Public health officials will prioritize case investigations for individuals who are 65 years and older and are at higher risk of severe illness, per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations. This population will receive an additional text message if the individual does not respond to the initial message.
The state reports local health departments will also be able to see details about cases so they can identify any potential clusters or outbreaks and can request those cases be transferred from the Surge Center for further contact tracing.
