ADPH continues to search for COVID-19 contacts

By Willie S. Morrissey Last updated Jan 12, 2022

MONTGOMERY, Alabama (WSFA) – Although there are fewer cases of COVID-19 than a year ago, the Alabama Department of Public Health is continuing its contact tracing program.

“We had days during the outbreak, especially when we had thousands of cases,” said Dr Karen Landers of ADPH. “So it was certainly difficult to be able to reach all of these cases. It was therefore necessary to prioritize. “

Health officials had to prioritize cases resulting from “clusters” or epidemics, in crowded spaces, which continues now.

Contact tracing is a way for the health department to contact you over the phone if they have reason to believe you may have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for the virus.

“We receive information through our electronic reporting system. Laboratories are required to report to us, as are other suppliers, ”said Landers.

You can still get a call to stay home and quarantine yourself to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, but that isn’t true for everyone.

Fully vaccinated people who do not have symptoms do not have to self-quarantine if alerted to exposure to COVID-19.

It’s a relief for Cassandra Wright. The Southside Church of Christ member is fully immunized and helps students tutor.

“If the students get the virus, I know I’ve been vaccinated,” Wright said. “I will be safe from this and I will not have to quarantine.

Landers encourages fully vaccinated Alabamians to continue to get tested after coming into contact with the virus.

“Now I’m telling people five to seven days,” Landers said. “Five is a good number, but again, get tested five to seven days after this exposure.”

Additional resources on finding contracts are available on the ADPH website.

The public is encouraged to pick up the phone if the health service calls.