“As testing continues to increase in New Jersey, so does the number of contact tracers. Contact tracers are a vital part in stopping the spread of COVID-19, because their investigations can help pinpoint a source and anyone that has possibly been exposed,” said Kevin Thomas, Cape May County Health Officer.

A contact tracer begins an investigation within 24 hours of a positive case being identified. The contact tracer will call you, identify themselves, and ask you a series of questions. The most important part of the investigation is compiling the contact list. The contact list can link that individual to another positive COVID-19 case and identify anyone that has been exposed. A contract tracer will not ask for the following information:

• Social security numbers
• Bank or credit card information
• Health insurance information
• Immigration status, or criminal history

After the investigation is performed the contact tracer will follow-up with anyone that had a possible exposure to the COVID-19 case to determine if an individual has symptoms and needs to self-isolate. If you have any questions about contact tracing, feel free to call (609) 465-1200.

Stay informed on the current situation as it evolves. Some reliable sources are New Jersey Poison Information and Education System hotline at 211 or 1-800-962-1253, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov, World Health Organization at www.who.int, New Jersey Department of Health at COVID19.nj.gov. For additional information visit Cape May County Department of Health at www.cmchealth.net and like us on Facebook.