Wayne County contact tracers are overwhelmed.
According to public health officials, the substantial uptick in COVID-19 cases over the last two weeks has made it impossible for the local and state team of contact tracers to keep up.
That’s why health officials announced at the end of the week that they’re adopting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations on isolation and quarantine.
Any person, regardless of vaccination status, who tests positive for COVID-19 at home, or through a pharmacy, is to self-isolate for 5 days and notify their household and close contacts.
If a person has no symptoms after five days, then those individuals who tested positive can leave their home but must continue to wear a well-fitted mask for five more.
Close contacts of positive tests could be asked to self-quarantine if not fully-vaccinated, but should monitor themselves for symptoms. Symptoms include runny nose, congestion, sore throat, fever, or loss of taste and smell.
The county is working on updating its website so residents can get health orders and documentation necessary for employers who request it.
The Auburn Citizen reports that Cayuga County is also taking fewer direct actions as it relates to contact tracing. Contact tracing will continue to some degree there, but due to volume of positive cases, they will prioritize cases involving school-aged children.
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