What is contact tracing and how does it work?

Contact tracing is a process used by public health officials to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19. The process involves identifying people who have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for the disease and then taking steps to prevent those contacts from spreading the disease to others.

The process typically starts with a public health worker contacting someone who has tested positive for the disease. The worker will ask the person about their recent activities and contacts to identify anyone who may have been exposed to the disease. The worker will then contact those individuals and provide guidance on how to monitor their health and prevent the spread of the disease.

Contact tracing is an important tool for controlling the spread of infectious diseases, but it is not foolproof. It requires cooperation from everyone involved, including those who may have been exposed to the disease. It is also important to note that contact tracing is just one part of a larger strategy for controlling the spread of infectious diseases, which may include measures like testing, isolation, and vaccination.