As Whatcom emerges from COVID-19 lockdown, these disease detectives will play key role
Theres been a lot of talk about how rapid case investigation and contact tracing will be key as Whatcom County and the rest of Washington state emerge from the statewide lockdown put into place to slow the spread of COVID-19.
But what do those terms mean? And how well is Whatcom County prepared, given that cases of the respiratory illness are expected to increase as social distancing eases?
To explain, The Bellingham Herald gathered information from the Whatcom County Health Department, Whatcom Unified Command and the Washington State Department of Health.
What is case investigation and contact tracing?
Think of it as disease detective work.
A disease investigation identifies people who have or might have COVID-19 so that they can isolate or quarantine themselves, according to the Whatcom County Health Department. Extensive disease investigations will allow us to dial back social distancing measures and help limit the virus from making a comeback.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/as-whatcom-emerges-from-covid-19-lockdown-these-disease-detectives-will-play-key-role/ar-BB14BXhx?ocid=hplocalnews