Knox County Health Department officials today are reporting that “Stigma” and “Fear” are perhaps the most dangerous accelerators intensifying the Coronavirus outbreak right now. Unfamiliarity with how the contact tracing program works and the resulting lack of communications also contributes to community spread; often spreading the virus from just one individual to many more.
Erin, Olson, Public Information Officer for the Knox County Health Department, encourages residents throughout the county to, “please keep three things in mind when they are contacted by a Contact Tracer.” In doing this they will make all the difference in fighting the spread of the COVID-19 virus. “First,” states Olson, “understand that the coronavirus can spread extremely quickly, one contact can turn into many infected individuals.” Secondly,” reports Olson, “not communicating about where you have been, or who your close contacts are, is the same as you contributing to the spread of this virus.” “Finally,” closes Olson, “you are doing people a favor by letting the Health Department and those individuals know they are a contact; you could be saving a life just by doing so.”
Olson also reported that, “the Health Department is seeing the number of close contacts reported by positive cases decrease, for what we can only assume, are reasons that are personal to each and every one of them. “We really just need people to be honest with us,” Olson said “We need COVID-19 positive individuals to tell us who they were in close contact with. It’s something we owe to each other during a pandemic. We’re not trying to punish people.” We are seeing COVID-19 positive patients inform the close contact that they are positive; but, not informing the Health Department of this close contact. If this happens the health department is unable to do contact tracing, and is unable to assist the contact with quarantine papers, referrals for testing, education about what to do if you begin to feel ill, or even something as important as return to work paperwork.
Michele Gabriel, Public Health Administrator, states that “contact tracing in Knox County is only as strong as County residents and visitors allow it to be. If residents and visitors test positive but are not honest with our contact tracers about their close contacts, the cycle will break down.” Gabriel goes on to note that, “while no one wants to hear that they may have been exposed to COVID 19, fostering positive communication throughout our communities will help contain the spread of coronavirus by encouraging your loved ones and friends to participate in contact tracing activities. “We want our teens, young adults and older adults who have attended social gatherings, sporting events, went to restaurants, bars or shopping to not be worried that they are perceived as “tattle tails,” notes Gabriel, “We additionally do not want parents hesitating because of worries that their children could get in trouble for hanging out with friends.” “I’ll admit that is hard for me to understand why people are so resistant,” said Gabriel. She has hoped that “most people” would want to know they have been exposed, at risk personally, and if they were at risk of infecting their family and friends. “Contact tracing is really for your benefit,” said Gabriel. “It really is something you are doing to help yourself, family, friends, and your community. Small every day actions contribute to our fight against the COVID 19 virus, as well as contribute to steps your communities are taking to remain open.
The Illinois Department of Public Health and the Knox County Health Department remind everyone to wash their hands, wear a face covering, social distance whenever possible, stay home when you are ill, and communicate with your public health department. By taking steps to protect yourself and those around you, you can contribute to the fight to beat COVID-19 and avoid resurgence in our communities.
The Knox County Unified Command reminds county residents to use trusted sources for the latest information on COVID-19 such as; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov and Illinois Department of Public Health www.dph.illinois.gov. The following webpage, http://gis.ci.galesburg.il.us/COVID , is the official source of information on COVID-19 numbers for Knox County. For general questions about COVID-19, call the hotline at 1-800-889-3931, email dph.sick@illinois.gov or call your Knox County Health Department at 309-344-2224.
***Report Courtesy of the Knox County Health Department***
