Myth vs. Fact: Contact Tracing

By: Chester County

It is very simple.  Contact tracing is the process of identifying, notifying, and monitoring anyone who came in close contact with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 while they were infectious (two days before onset of symptoms until the end of the person’s isolation period). It can break the chain of transmission and help to prevent future surges of cases.  

Some people who test positive for COVID-19 are hesitant to provide contact tracing details. They don’t appreciate the value in doing so, and may be swayed by the “myths” without knowing the facts.

1. Myth:

   My identity and those of my friends, family and other contacts will be shared with the public.

   Fact:

   If you test positive, your identity will not be shared with your contacts or members of the public. Your contacts will be told they have been exposed to the virus, and your data will remain secure with the Chester County Health Department.

2. Myth:

   If I answer a contact tracing call, I will be forced to quarantine at home or will be forced from my home.

   Fact:

   Quarantine is indeed a crucial part of stopping the spread of COVID-19. To prevent the further spread of disease, COVID-19 contacts are encouraged to stay home and maintain social distance (at least 6 feet) from others until 14 days after their last exposure to a person with COVID-19. The Chester County Health Department would work with anyone who needs to be quarantined, to provide necessary support and services that allow the quarantine to occur.

3. Myth:

   Contact tracers will track my locations and behaviors.

   Fact:

   Contact tracers do not follow you or track your location via app or other means. Contacts should participate in daily monitoring with the Health Department to check on how you’re doing and which support services could be of assistance to you.  This monitoring can be done by phone call, text message, or email link.

4. Myth:

   Contact tracing is being used to deport undocumented immigrants.

   Fact:

   Your information in Chester County is confidential and will not be shared with immigration officials or other agencies. A contact tracer will NEVER ask for your social security number, private financial information, credit card information, your immigration status and will NEVER send you a link without proper authentication procedures. In addition, contact tracers who speak multiple languages are available to you for clear communication.

5. Myth:

   Contact tracing doesn’t make a difference because positive cases of COVID-19 continue.

   Fact:

   Without contact tracing, COVID-19 cases will rise further because we are unable to track the virus, test and respond it effectively.