As a core disease control measure employed by state and local health department personnel for decades, contact tracing is the identification, monitoring and support for those who have tested positive for COVID-19 or who have been exposed to COVID-19.
As one of the key response strategies for preventing further spread of COVID-19, contact tracing requires strong public health leadership and a public health infrastructure that includes diagnostic testing and rapid results, a workforce of well-trained contact tracers and a robust process for case management and support. A strategic communications campaign and culturally competent communicators are essential. Robust community contact tracing also provides a structure for future needs such as clinical research, community vaccination initiatives, and treatment options.