Free Online Course Teaches COVID-19 Contact Tracer Essentials

PALOS HILLS, IL — As the economy reopens and Americans resume normal activities, contact tracers will he in high demand to help slow the spread of coronavirus. Moraine Valley Community College’s free, one-week online beginner essentials course introduces participants to the role of contact tracers and how they are essential in controlling the spread of COVID-19.

A contact tracer locates COVID-19 patients and works to identify people with whom they have been in close contact with, so they can be located. Tracers coordinate with state and/or federal officials working safely from their home and are not in physical contact with patients.

New sections of the self-paced class start June 29, July 6, July 13, July 20 and July 27. The curriculum covers an overview of COVID-19 and its symptoms; COVID-19 testing; contact tracers roles and responsibilities; communication guidelines and preparing for an interview; and, potential challenges and how to address them. Contact tracers do not reveal the name of the person infected with the disease.

For those who’ve been furloughed or lost their job due to the pandemic, contact tracing is something people can be trained to do. Some city and state health departments are already seeking to fill thousands of these positions. Experts estimate that between 100,000 and 300,000 contact tracers will be needed nationwide based on state populations and projected COVID-19 infection rates, according to CBS News Moneywatch.

Applicants for contact tracer jobs don’t necessarily need a background in health care, but should have an interest in public health and be comfortable using medical terminology. Knowledge of one’s community — especially in underserved areas — and the ability to engender trust and project empathy and compassion are also essential qualities.

A remote contact tracer earns between $17 and $22 per hour with benefits for full-time employees. The Moraine Valley course is the first step toward becoming a certified contact tracer.

For questions about COVID-19 Contact Tracer Beginner Essentials, call 708-974-5735 or email communityeducation@morainevalley.edu. To register for classes, call 708-974-2110.