Steps to investigate cases and trace their contacts.

Question 1

Six steps to investigate cases and trace their contacts.

Answer 1

Introduce: Introduce yourself to the case and get their basic information.

Question 2

Inquire

Answer 2

Figure out the case’s likely infectious period.

Question 3

Identify contacts.

Answer 3

Ask the case about contacts during their infectious period.

Question 4

Isolate.

Answer 4

Provide isolation instructions to the case,identify challenges, and provide support.

Question 5

Initiate contact tracing.

Answer 5

Call case’s contacts to inform about their exposure, ask about symptoms, and give quarantine.

Question 6

Implement regular check-ups

Answer 6

Check in with the caes and their contacts until isolation or quarantine ends.

Question 7

Calling the case steps. (1

Answer 7

Introductions

Question 8

2

Answer 8

Inquire about infectious period.

Question 9

3

Answer 9

Identity close contacts

Question 10

4

Answer 10

instruct on how to isolate.

Question 11

5

Answer 11

call contacts (inform about exposure, ask about symptoms, instruct on quarantine.

Question 12

6

Answer 12

Implement regular check-ins with the case and contact(s)

Question 13

Step 1. Introduce your organization.

Answer 13

“Hi, this is christian alvarez from the health department, is this jenni mendez?”

Question 14

Step 2. Confirm their identity and residence

Answer 14

“Nice to meet you, jenni, I need to discuss some sensitive information with you. Before we keep talking, can you tell me your birthday and address?”

Question 15

Discuss the positive test.

Answer 15

“I’m talking about your coronavirus test, have you talked to your provider yet.

Question 16

Describe the importance and benefits of the call.

Answer 16

“I’m calling to see how you, your family, and your community safe.

Question 17

Confirm the call is confidential

Answer 17

“what we talk about is between you and me.”

Question 18

Check in about length and safety of call.

Answer 18

This call should take about 20 minutes. Is now a good time? Are you in a safe place.

Question 19

Inquire about infectious period.

Answer 19

If they had symptoms:
What date did your symptoms start.
Did you feel like you had a fever
Has your fever improved without medication.
How are you feeling now?
If they do not have symptoms:
When did the have the test.

Question 20

Use answers to:

Answer 20

Calculate the period of time that the case may have spread SARS-CoV2 to others (contacts)
Figure of who was close to the case during that period they were in contact with.

Question 21

Step 3:Identify contact(s)

Answer 21

Anyone considered a contact of the case during their infectious period will be quarantined, which includes, but is not limited to people who:
Live with the case.
Were face-to-face within 6 ft of the case for 15+ minutes.
Had direct contact with the case (eg, kissing)
or with their secretions (used tissues).

Question 22

Help questions to identify contact(s)

Answer 22

Do you have any caretakers or family members?
Would you be willing to look at your calender (or phone or social media) to help jog your memory about what you did this past week.?
Where have you traveled. (this will be important in case anyone was in contact with the case).

Question 23

Step 4. Issue isolation instructions (four components)

Answer 23

Explain isolation in simple terms.
#Ask questions to check that they understand completely and help them plan.
#Identify challenges that may stop them from #following your isolation instructions.
#Offer resources to improve their chances of following your isolation instructions.

Question 24

Issue isolation instructions (simply put)

Answer 24

Isolation means that you should try to eliminate your contact with other people, except if you need to see a doctor. If you live with others, you might try and find a different place to stay. Or, you might use your own bedroom or bathroom. If you need to be around other people, you should wear a mask.

Question 25

Description of four components of isolation instruction

Answer 25

Check understandings and help make a plan:
Do you have a safe place to stay?
Will you need food soon? If so, how could you get it?
Do you take any medications, and will you need a refill soon?
Do you have a mask?

Question 26

Description of four components of isolation instruction (identify challenges

Answer 26

What concerns do you have about your responsibilities and mental health?
Examples include: Taking care of parents/kids
The only employed person in their home
In a domestic violence situation

Question 27

Description of four components of isolation instruction (offer resources)

Answer 27

211 (available in most (but not all) parts of the US
Food banks
Local social services.
Neighborhood and various support groups.

Question 28

Wrapping the call with the caes

Answer 28

Answer their questions
Make a plan to follow up.
T”hank you for your time. We’ve talked a lot today, and I’ve given you tons to think about. You’ll probably have more questions over the next few days. If you think of something, here’s our phone number. But either way, I’ll be calling back soon to check on you. Bye!”

Question 29

Step 5. Initiate contact tracing.

Answer 29

Inform them that they were in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
Check if they have symptoms (e.g fever)
Provide instructions to quarantine, identify challenges, and offer resources to overcome those challenges.
Answer their questions
Make a plan to follow up.

Question 30

Frequently asked questions from contacts:

Answer 30

What happens if I get sick?
Do I need to wear a mask?
How do I get tested?
Can you give me a letter for my job or landlord?

Question 31

Step 6. Implementing regular check-ins

Answer 31

You may regularly check up with cases and contacts to determine when they can end their isolation and quarantine

Question 32

Cases:

Answer 32

Have their symptoms (if present) improved or worsened.
Have they had new contacts.
Offer support for continued isolation

Question 33

Contacts.

Answer 33

Have they had any (if any) symptoms?
Offer support for continued quarantine.