Dear residents -

Given the magnitude of COVID-19 cases and future plans to eventually relax mitigation efforts such as stay at home orders and social distancing, it is critical we protect our community from further spread through contact tracing. Contact tracing is part of the process of supporting patients with suspected or confirmed infection. It’s an effort to help them recall everyone with whom they have had close contact during the timeframe while they may have been infectious. Contact tracers then warn these exposed individuals (contacts) of their potential exposure as rapidly and sensitively as possible. 

Contacts will only be informed that they may have been exposed to a patient with the infection. They are not told the identity of the patient who may have exposed them. Contacts are provided with education, information, and support to understand their risk, what they should do to separate themselves from others who are not exposed, monitor themselves for illness, and the possibility that they could spread the infection to others even if they themselves do not feel ill.

To be done effectively, it requires people with the training, supervision, and access to social and medical support for patients and contacts. At the present time, the Department of Public Health (DPH) is looking to work with Master of Public Health (MPH) programs, nursing schools, medical schools, and other academic institutions to identify student volunteers who can work under the close supervision of academic advisors on behalf of the state and local health departments. 

Online training for contact tracing specific to Connecticut will be made available. CDC contact tracing resources are available on their website. 

Madison residents who would like to volunteer for other COVID-19 response activities should contact the Madison Health department or refer to: CTResponds!.