The surge in recent COVID-19 cases is forcing a shift in the contact tracing plan for Fairfax County, Va.

The county health department will no longer call all those who test positive for COVID-19 and close contacts. Instead, Fairfax County Health Director Dr Gloria Addo-Ayensu said that due to the recent increase, contact tracers will focus on calling people who live and work in gathering places, such as long-term care facilities or group homes, children who are in school or other child care settings, and people infected as part of an outbreak.

“Throughout the pandemic, we have continued to adapt to meet the needs of our community,” Addo-Ayensu said. in a press release. “With the recent increase and high burden of COVID-19 cases, we must again pivot to work as effectively as possible in the way we investigate cases. “

Others who are not in a higher risk situation will be notified by text message from the health service, telling them to self-isolate for 10 days.

All people who are COVID-19 positive will be asked to complete wellness checks through the Sara alert system, whether they receive a traditional telephone survey or an SMS alert. It is a secure messaging service that sends an email or text message daily so that residents can report their symptoms.

Virginia health officials said Omicron accounts for 76% of new infections. This beats the national average by three points.

During the holiday season, Fairfax County urges people to get tested before reuniting with others, especially if you plan to visit people who are vulnerable or at higher risk of serious illness if they develop COVID- 19.

More news on the coronavirus

Looking for more information? DC, Maryland, and Virginia each publish more data every day. Visit their official websites here: Virginia | Maryland | CC

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