The Kent County Health Department warns that it’s contact tracing and case investigation capacities are limited due to the extreme rise in the number of new COVID-19 cases. The health department says it’s prioritizing COVID case investigations.
With the high volume of new cases, it’s increasing the notification turnaround time and it’s asking residents for cooperation
“So, any person who’s notified of a positive test for COVID-19 should immediately isolate for a period of time, not less than 10 days, from the onset of symptoms or from the test date.”
Dr. Adam London is Director of the Kent County Health Department.
“Body temperature must also be normal for at least 24-hours and all other symptoms must be improving before leaving isolation.”
Dr. London is asking anyone who has tested positive to make acquaintances or potential contacts aware who were in close proximity 48-hours before the onset of symptoms or their test date.
“Close contact includes; persons within six feet of distance for at least 15 minutes cumulative over a 24-hour period, and or people who were physically contacted with a hug, maybe a kiss, a handshake or any other intimate contact. Those close contacts should be advised to quarantine at home and watch for symptoms for 14 days from the time of last contact with the COVID-19 case.”
Finally, when it comes to household contacts of a diagnosed case, Dr. London explains the quarantine period could last up to 24 days.
For all testing, contact tracing and quarantine information, log on to accesskent.com/health/coronavirus.
