CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – The Champaign Urbana Public Health District announced Monday that beginning August 15, it will no longer contact people who test positive for COVID-19 and will also suspend its contact tracing program. .
But officials said that doesn’t mean people should let their guard down.
As COVID will continue to linger in our county, we are entering a period where state and federal mandates are rescinded, funding is reduced, and resources are reallocated,” said CUPHD Administrator Julie Pryde. “That’s no reason to be complacent; rather, we believe Champaign County residents have the knowledge and tools at their disposal to take effective precautions to prevent COVID-19 infections and to make timely care decisions if they are tested for COVID- 19 positive.
Robert Davies, another CUPHD official, echoed that sentiment.
“We still want people to take precautions when community levels are high,” said CUPHD official Robert Davies. “The recommendation is that they wear a face mask indoors and in public places to protect themselves and others.”
Several other changes are coming as a result of this announcement. Chief among them, the CUPHD will no longer be able to provide hotel rooms as alternative accommodation for people who are COVID-positive or provide food assistance to people sheltering in place.
Information on how to safely isolate at home can be found on the CUPHD website and will be updated regularly, while a list of available resources can be found on the City of Champaign and on the UC Community Resource Guide from the University of Illinois School of Social Work.
Antigen testing will continue to be available in long-term care facilities and other congregate living organizations to test symptomatic patients and residents.
CUPHD will continue to monitor COVID trends and outbreaks and provide support to its public health partners. They reiterated that people should be vaccinated and strengthened because vaccines are the best tool to fight the pandemic.
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