The transition away from universal case investigation and contact tracing for individual cases of COVID-19 by public health agencies
ATLANTE and ARLINGTON, Va., January 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE), National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), Big Cities Health Coalition (BCHC), and Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) is helping state, local, territorial and tribal health departments move from universal case investigation and contact tracing at this stage of the COVID-19 pandemic to an approach more strategic outbreak investigations and targeted case investigations. Although universal case investigation and contact tracing was implemented in the spring of 2020 to slow the transmission of COVID-19, much has changed over the past year, which has necessitated a revised public health approach. This includes the wide availability of safe and effective vaccines, a better understanding of the epidemiology of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the emergence of the more infectious Omicron variant.
While universal case investigation and contact tracing during the initial phase of the pandemic was justified in the attempt to contain the pandemic, most experts agree that this is no longer optimal. We urge a refocusing of our public health efforts and resources, with an emphasis on targeting investigations to high-risk settings serving vulnerable populations and other essential measures to better protect the public.
Although it is no longer optimal for public health to universally investigate and monitor individual cases of COVID-19 and their contacts, contact tracing remains a necessary public health tool to interrupt the continued transmission of COVID. -19 and prevent disease in the most vulnerable populations, particularly in certain higher-risk congregate residential settings (eg, correctional facilities and nursing homes) or in other specific situations, such as investigations on outbreaks or if warranted due to concerning changes in the clinical or epidemiological characteristics of the virus. Individual jurisdictions may also consider pursuing contact tracing in other settings, including schools and daycares.
The recommended shift away from universal case investigation and contact tracing for COVID-19 does not suggest that these tools have limited value in the setting of many priority infectious diseases. Indeed, case investigation and contact tracing by public health officials remains a vital and well-established method for the control of other communicable diseases, such as measles, HIV, and sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea.
To access the full statement, including a list of six key public health strategies for the prevention and care of COVID-19, click HERE.
About the CSTE
Founded in 1951, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) represents the interests of state epidemiologists in all 50 U.S. states and territories. The CSTE is also the professional home of more than 2200 practicing applied epidemiologists. For more information, visit https://www.cste.org/.
Contact: Jeremy Ariehdirector of communications, 770-458-3811, email: 328314@email4pr.com
About ASTHO
ASTHO is the national non-profit organization representing the public health agencies of United StatesU.S. Territories and Freely Associated States, and washington d.c., as well as the more than 100,000 public health professionals these agencies employ. ASTHO members, the primary health officials of these jurisdictions, are dedicated to formulating and influencing sound public health policy and ensuring excellence in public health practice.
Contact: Jane EsworthySenior Director of Public Relations, Email: jesworthy@astho.org
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SOURCE Council of State and Territory Epidemiologists
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