RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia is joining a small number of states in ending the practice of attempting to contact the trail of every COVID-19 case. Instead, they will focus their efforts on outbreaks and cases in high-risk settings.
“Omicron is different and so it was kind of necessary to make this change at that time,” said Marshall Vogt, senior epidemiologist at the Virginia Department of Health.
Vogt said that while several factors led to the shift in focus, the omicron variant is one of the main reasons. Due to the increase in the number of cases, it was difficult to follow individual investigations.
Additionally, Vogt said that compared to previous variants, omicron’s incubation period is shorter.
“By the time you realize you’re sick and can get tested, it’s very likely that your contacts have already been exposed and may already be getting sick. So it’s much more difficult to seek contracts “, Vogt said.
He said that now the VDH will focus its efforts on outbreaks and cases in high-risk settings like long-term care facilities and hospitals.
“Where the transmission of COVID has more impact and could be better controlled,” Vogt said.
CBS6 asked about school settings as some localities are removing mask mandates in accordance with Governor Glenn Youngkin’s executive order.
Vogt said he would continue to support these investigations as requested.
“It’s going to vary from school to school and district to district, county to county, in terms of VDH and school engagement,” Vogt said.
Virginia’s announcement about ending contact tracing follows similar decisions by health officials in at least two states, Kansas and New York. Several national health groups have also issued a statement in support of these transitions.
The Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association said the decision made sense.
“Especially in an environment, as you know, where resources are unfortunately not unlimited,” said Julian Walker, vice president of communications for Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association.
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