Contact tracing is the process of contacting all people who have tested positive for COVID-19 or have had contact with someone who tested positive. It is possible to be infected with COVID-19 and have no symptoms, so contact tracing is currently the best way to identify and notify people who may be infected to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Participating in contact tracing is a way to protect you, your family, and your community.
Contact Tracing Interview
Contact tracers from the local and state health department will be in touch with you if you test positive for COVID-19. During the interview, you will be asked how you are feeling and when you may have been exposed to COVID-19. We will also ask you about people you were in close contact with, but we will keep your information protected. We will not reveal your name to any contacts you identify.
You will see CT COVID TRACE or the number for your local health department on your caller ID. It is very important that you answer the call.
Connecticut’s contact tracing program is run by the Department of Public Health (DPH) and uses recommendations that are based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
You may also download the COVID Alert CT mobile app to be notified if you have been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
Answer The Call
If you are contacted by a contact tracer, it’s important to:
- Answer the call,
- Participate in the interview, and
- Take their advice seriously.
Participating in the contact tracing process is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself, your community, and help Connecticut fight the spread of COVID-19.
Contact Tracing Flowchart
Click here for more information about how contact tracing works.
Protecting Your Information
The information asked of you and provided to you during contact tracing is intended to help you stay safe. Contact tracers will also share information and resources with you on COVID-19 prevention. Contact tracers will never:
- Identify you as the source of information with others in your community.
- Share your personal or medical information, without your permission, to anyone outside of the contact tracing work. Your privacy will be protected in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) just as it would be by your healthcare provider or any other covered entity.
- Give your name or contact information to employers or immigration officials.
- Ask for your social security number or immigration status.
- Ask for credit card information, bank information, or demand any type of payment.
Daily Check-ins
After the initial interview, contact tracers will ask your consent to conduct daily check-ins to see how you are feeling. You have the choice of participating by phone or by survey through email or text message. Emails will be sent from SVC-Covid19@ct.gov and text messages will be sent from (855) 670-0299. If you decide not to participate by email or text, you will receive daily phone calls from CT COVID TRACE or your local health department.
What You Should Do If You Test Positive For COVID-19 (Cases)
If you test positive for COVID-19 you should self-isolate, which means that you should stay home and avoid other people. While in self-isolation, you should:
- Carefully monitor your symptoms daily. If you experience serious symptoms like trouble breathing, seek emergency medical care, such as calling 911, immediately.
- Keep away from other household members as much as possible. If possible, sleep in a separate room and use a separate bathroom. Otherwise, make sure to wipe and disinfect all frequently touched surfaces.
What You Should Do If You Have Been Exposed To Someone With COVID-19 (Contacts)
If you are notified that you may have been exposed to COVID-19, you will be recommended to get tested and quarantine based on DPH guidance. Even if you do not test positive for COVID-19, you should follow quarantine guidelines for the recommended time period. While in quarantine, you should:
- Carefully monitor yourself for any new symptoms daily. If you experience serious symptoms like trouble breathing, seek emergency medical care, such as calling 911, immediately.
- Stay home and avoid other people for the recommended period of time, per DPH guidance.
- Keep away from other household members as much as possible.
ContaCT
ContaCT is Connecticut’s statewide software system used for monitoring the health and wellbeing of people affected by COVID-19. ContaCT assists in facilitating timely and accurate contact tracing.
Resources
Get the latest information on Connecticut’s COVID-19 response here: