District Health Department Four adjustment of contact tracing and case investigation processes

The District Four Health Department, which serves Cheboygan, Almost Isle, Alpena and Montmorency counties, will make changes to its contact tracing efforts and how the entity investigates positive cases of COVID-19.

Due to the significant increase in cases and more efficient spread of the omicron variant of COVID-19 in Michigan and locally, combined with decreased public participation in contact tracing and investigation of cases, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and District Health Department Four (DHD4) pandemic response will begin to move away from universal contact tracing and individual case investigations. Starting next week, DHD4’s efforts will focus primarily on high-priority community groups and those coming together.

“With more than 10,000 new referrals of COVID-19 cases per day reported across Michigan – hundreds per week in our small four-county jurisdiction – and the ramp-up of omicron is expected to continue, the investigation into individual-level cases and contact tracing are no longer as effective when it comes to controlling the transmission of COVID-19 at the population level,” said Devin Spivey, epidemiologist and community health director. “We will continue to provide advice, education and support to our communities at different levels so that people know what their test results mean and how best to move forward while limiting the spread of infection to their homes. friends and their family. But it will take patience while we make this change.

“Locally, our biggest focus will be to monitor and provide support for outbreak investigations and infection prevention for long-term care facilities, shelters, schools and other congregation-type settings,” added Spivey.

DHD4 officials would like to remind residents of four key points amid the rise in cases and detection of the omicron variant in the jurisdiction’s four counties:

1. Stay home if you are sick and have symptoms of COVID-19.
2. Get tested if you have symptoms or once five days have passed after exposure to a confirmed case of COVID-19. Stay home until results are received.
3. Wear a mask correctly and consistently when going out in public places, whether fully vaccinated or not, as an added layer of protection.
4. Get vaccinated and boosted. Safe and effective vaccines are available at a number of local pharmacies and DHD4 clinics. See the list of locations at www.dhd4.org/covid19.

People whose positive results have been reported to the health department will continue to receive a text message and/or email containing educational materials and a link to an online survey where they can submit relevant information about their case; thanks to a state partnership with Patient Education Genius (PEG).

The survey only asks for information permitted under the Public Health Code and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPAA) privacy law, such as demographics, symptoms, occupation, attendance at public events or gatherings, and people they may have come into contact with. close contact.

DHD4 staff will continue to answer resident questions through the COVID-19 hotline at (989) 358-7936.

Due to the highly contagious omicron variant, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that individuals wear a safer protective mask, such as N95 or KN95 masks. DHD4 has a limited number of KN95 masks available for free. Masks can be picked up at local DHD4 offices during normal business hours, excluding lunch (12pm-1pm) and holidays.

A pack of five masks is available per person on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 10 days or are currently showing symptoms, please do not enter the building, call your local DHD4 office so someone can meet you outside.