Alaskans testing positive for COVID-19 should act quickly to notify their close contacts themselves, due to a strain on the contact tracing system. The number of positive COVID cases in Alaska is beginning to overwhelm the systems established by the state to effectively respond to the crisis, according to a Monday release by the Department of Health and Social Services.
The response systems to be impacted includes contact tracing. DHSS advises anyone who tests positive to notify all close contacts, as soon as possible.
Adam Crum, Commissioner of Alaska’s DHSS, says that they are doing what they can to battle the pandemic, adding: “This includes contact tracing, providing affordable and accessible testing, securing and shipping supplies to communities, supporting our health care partners and increasing mental health support. However, we’re at a point in this pandemic when we truly need everyone’s help. We’re urging Alaskans to reduce risks and take action to protect themselves, their loved ones, and our communities.”
State Epidemiologist Dr. Joe McLaughlin is quoted in the Department’s release as saying that the latest surge in cases has led the state’s contact tracers have been forced to triage cases. He said: “Due to the delays in the process and some calls that can’t be initiated that first day [after a positive COVID test], we recommend Alaskans call their own close contacts.”
If you are contacted by a positive COVID patient as a close contact, you are advised to quarantine immediately for two weeks. Get tested around one week after the quarantine begins, even without symptoms. If the test is negative, remain in quarantine, and if the test is positive, isolate for ten days and notify your own close contacts.