Delays in Case Investigation and Contact Tracing Due to Increase in COVID-19 Cases
January 12, 2021, Jackson, WY – Teton County Health Department wants to inform the community that the COVID-19 Case Investigation and Contact Tracing Team is experiencing delays due to a significant increase in recent COVID-19 cases. In the last week Teton County was notified of over 270 new COVID 19 cases, averaging 39 cases per day. On January 11, 2021, more than 60 new cases were reported. Teton County Health Department is still attempting to contact all positive cases, but it may take multiple days to reach any one individual due to the current case load.
Teton County Health Director, Jodie Pond, MPH stated, “When the number of COVID-19 cases is this high, it overwhelms our staff. Unless case numbers decrease, our team will not be able to contact all new positive cases each day. This is significant because it also delays other important steps, such as
notifying the close contacts of positive cases.” Pond went on to say, “Based on past surges, we expect to see more hospitalizations in the coming weeks. Hospitalizations tend to lag a couple weeks behind spikes in COVID-19 cases.”
If you have tested positive for COVID-19, we ask that you isolate yourself from everyone possible, including members of your household, right away. This includes using your own bedroom and bathroom when possible. If you must share a common space, wear a mask and always keep a distance of at least 6 feet from others. Ensure surfaces are frequently disinfected and all household members should not only wash their hands regularly but also wear masks inside.
These steps are vital for preventing further transmission of the virus. For more information on what to do if you tested positive for COVID-19 or were exposed to someone who tested positive, please visit https://www.tetoncountywy.gov/2061/COVID-19.
With Teton County’s contact tracing capacity currently overwhelmed, we are asking all community members to please continue to follow preventative measures to stop the spread of COVID-19. These include wearing a mask, maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet from others, staying home when sick, and regularly washing your hands. During this time, we also ask community members to reconsider gathering with others not in your household and to avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces.
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