Amid COVID outbreak, contact tracers struggle to reach patients and those they may have infected

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HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Once again, an increase in COVID cases exceeds the state’s ability to reach people who have tested positive and those they may have infected.

As of Friday, 269 state health ministry contact tracers were stationed across the state. They inform patients and notify contacts close to the exposure.

With nearly 4,800 new infections reported in the past 14 days alone, trying to locate people has become increasingly difficult.

The Ministry of Health is therefore asking the public for help.

If you suspect you have COVID-19, health officials say they want you to take it upon yourself to let everyone know you may have been exposed.

“We are counting on individuals to help us get this out as quickly as possible once they even wait for this diagnosis from a testing site,” said Jason Dela Cruz, a planner with the Public Health Preparedness Office of the island of Hawaii.

Amid the surge in cases, the state’s health ministry says its limited staff does not always have the ability to notify every contact associated with every case.

On top of that, there are a growing number of people infected that they don’t know much about.

“We all understand that no one likes to receive this call. We all feel a little ashamed. It’s uncomfortable. But what we really need is cooperation, ”said Chantelle Matagi, senior contact tracing researcher.

Data from the State Department of Health shows that contact tracers reached 66% of reported cases the week of July 26. That’s down from the previous month – when 92% of cases were reached the week of June 13.

Of those who could not be contacted in July, 49% did not answer the phone.

12% refused to participate in the interview.

“If you get a call, answer the phone. Be honest in what you tell us, ”said Matagi. “We want to make sure that we don’t pass this (virus) on to people we love and care about. While it might just be the flu for you, other people might not. “

During this time, the actions health officials want you to take after learning that you have been exposed depend on whether or not you have been vaccinated.

If you didn’t get the shot, authorities say you need to quarantine.

“Stay away from others for 10 days from the last day of your contact with the person who is now ill. We also strongly recommend that you get tested, ”said Dr. Janet Berreman, Kauai District Health Officer.

If you’ve been vaccinated, the DOH says you don’t need to quarantine, but you’re welcome to get tested five days after exposure.

Officials say anyone who feels bad should get tested immediately.

Berreman added that if you feel the symptoms aren’t working, don’t go to school or date, and don’t socialize unless you know you are negative.

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