Amy A. Myers, M.D. amy.myers@fandm.edu
Fri, Sep 11, 12:20 PM
There apparently has been some ongoing confusion with regards to contact tracing, who is considered a close contact, testing of contacts, etc.
Contact Tracing is a process designed to minimize spread of the virus. When a person tests positive or is under suspicion for Covid, that individual is asked about any people with whom they have been in close contact (within 6 ft for 10-15min) starting 2 days prior to the start of symptoms, or test date until they start their isolation. The purpose of contact tracing is to decrease the spread of the virus during the asymptomatic period. Again, if you maintain that 6 ft distance around others, you would not fall into that close contact category. However, if you are a close contact, it is important to report that and quarantine to decrease or eliminate the risk of unknowingly spreading the virus to someone else prior to the start of any symptoms.
Testing of contacts. If you identified as a contact, there is no need to do testing unless you would become symptomatic or other risk factors are identified. In addition, having a negative test as a contact does not change the length of the 14 day quarantine. Depending on the day/time of exposure, a negative test does not completely rule out infection due to the potential 14 day incubation period.
Contacts of Contacts. If you find out that you have been in contact with a person who was identified as a contact of someone who tests positive, you would fall into the category of being a contact of a contact. Based on current recommendations, there is no need to quarantine. You should continue to practice physical distancing and mask wearing, but otherwise you can go about your business as normal.
Reminder. It is imperative that should you be identified as a close contact of someone who tests positive or is under suspicion for Covid, that you be honest and fully cooperate with the process. This is imperative to decreasing the potential spread of the virus.
Sincerely,
Dr. Myers
—
Amy A. Myers, MD
Managing Physician
LG Health at Franklin and Marshall College Student Wellness Center
Team Physician Franklin and Marshall College
931 Harrisburg Ave.
Lancaster, PA 17603
PH: 717-544-9051
F : 717-735-9234