PA Alters Contact Tracing Policies Due To Explosion Of New Cases

PENNSYLVANIA — The ongoing rise in coronavirus cases across Pennsylvania has led state officials to alter their approach to how they're attempting to control the pandemic.

Contact tracing will now focus on high priority cases, meaning those who tested positive within the last six days or who had contact with large groups of people.

“Given the continued increase in both the number of positive cases and the positivity percentage rate...the recommendations for prioritization of COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing have been enhanced," said Michael Huff, the state's director of testing and contact tracing.

Priority tracing will focus on other household members, those who had contact with congregate living facilities, high density work environments, mass gatherings or events, and similar situations.

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This blanket will be expanded "as resources allow" to include those outside of the household who might be at risk of serious illness.

In cases where more than 14 days has passed since someone has tested positive, contact tracers are being told to "generally not pursue."

Several individual counties, including Bucks County and Montgomery County, had already announced similar shifts in their approach due to the surge in cases overwhelming their tracing efforts.

Health officials continue to reiterate the importance of adhering to simple mitigation measures, and, specifically, cooperating with contact tracers.

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"Citizens of Pennsylvania have individual responsibility to contribute to proper behavior and to adhere to public health guidance to protect themselves and others as well as to help control the spread of COVID-19," Huff added. "Public health controls are only as effective as the willingness of individuals to carry them out."

Downloading the COVID-19 app for smartphones and checking in to state how you're feeling is another important way residents can assist contact tracers and the fight against the virus.

Pennsylvania has seen more than 34,000 cases in the past week, and healthcare infrastructure is facing concerning trends heading into the end of the year. Officials have expressed worries that ICU beds could run short, based on current projections. Hospitalizations are also rapidly increasing.