The Clark County Combined Health District has recently become overwhelmed with the increase in new positive COVID-19 cases. CCCHD is currently receiving upwards of 80 positive cases a day. “We have hired more contact tracers, we also have regular full-time employees who are helping to contact trace on top of their normal duties, and on top of that, some individuals are working 7 days a week to try and keep up with the new cases,” Health Commissioner Charles Patterson said. Even with these resources, CCCHD is not able to keep up with interviews for positive cases. As of November 9th, CCCHD had over 300 positive cases that still needed to be called and interviewed. CCCHD has come up with a plan to address this backlog of positive cases. As of November 10th, all cases that have yet to be contacted will be sent a packet including:
- A letter informing them of their positive result for COVID-19
- Education on isolation
- Education on quarantine for any close contacts
- Education on what constitutes someone as a close contact
- asking the case to call any close contacts they identify during contagious period and inform contact of their exposure so contact may begin their quarantine.
- A Shortened interview that we ask the case to fill out and send back to CCCHD (electronic version will be available)
The interview WILL NOT ask for:
- Bank information
- Social Security number
- Proof of identification
“Now is the time to double our efforts of masking, social distancing, and limiting contact with individuals who do not live in your home. Taking responsibility for your own health by leaving any place where masking/social distancing is not occurring as well as not hosting or attending parties is going to be crucial in reducing the number of new cases.” Charles Patterson said.
CCCHD asks if you are notified by your doctor that you have tested positive, please isolate yourself and notify your close contacts. This will lessen the spread and help the health department.
People with questions about COVID-19 can call the Ohio Department of Health COVID-19 Call Center, 7 days a week from 9AM – 8PM at: 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).