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This Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) scientist was using a multi-channel pipettor, as part of processing for the CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Real-Time Reverse Transcription (RT)-PCR Diagnostic Panel. Multi-channel pipettors are used to dispense multiple volumes of liquids at a time. (Photo by James Gathany/CDC)
This Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) scientist was using a multi-channel pipettor, as part of processing for the CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Real-Time Reverse Transcription (RT)-PCR Diagnostic Panel. Multi-channel pipettors are used to dispense multiple volumes of liquids at a time. (Photo by James Gathany/CDC)

Niagara County Department of Health changes COVID-19 case investigation & contact tracing

Submitted

Fri, Jan 7th 2022 04:40 pm

The Niagara County Department of Health announced “significant changes” have been made to the case investigation and contact tracing for COVID-19. Contact tracers will no longer conduct case investigations or identify close contacts.

NCDOH is asking that anyone that tests positive for COVID-19, either from a lab, pharmacy, medical office, school testing site, or at-home test to self-isolate, notify their household contacts and notify their close contacts. Anyone notified that they are a close contact should self-quarantine (unless exempt), monitor for symptoms, and seek testing on day five after exposure (earlier if symptoms develop).

Niagara County will follow the updated New York state guidelines for isolation and quarantine released Jan. 4, which shorten the isolation and quarantine period to five days.

“The shortened isolation and quarantine periods, unprecedented number of positive cases, and limited contact tracing resources required a transition to a more realistic, efficient process,” Public Health Director Daniel J. Stapleton said. “Contact tracing will be prioritized for individuals in schools and high-risk congregate (nursing homes, schools, day cares, etc.) settings.”

NCDOH stated, “Individuals should be notified of their positive status by the provider/laboratory performing the testing. All positive cases should visit the Niagara County website for instructions and required documentation.

“Effective immediately, residents will no longer be contacted to be released from isolation.”

Director of Nursing Adrienne Kasbaum said, “We have updated our website to include all of the documents required for return to work/school for individuals who have completed isolation and quarantine. We hope these changes will streamline the process for everyone.”

In addition to the updated guidance for isolation and quarantine, the following documents are available on the Niagara County website:

√ Public health director’s order for isolation (document that requires one to isolate)

√ Affirmation of isolation (document that releases one from isolation)

√ Public health director’s order for quarantine (document that requires one to quarantine)

√ Affirmation of quarantine (document that releases one from quarantine)

Individuals may submit positive results from at-home tests on the NCDOH “Positive COVID-19 Home Test Reporting Form.”

For more information on isolation and quarantine, visit https://www.niagaracounty.com/health/COVID.

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