NewsCoronavirus

Actions

Kentucky seeing mixed compliance for contact tracing

Posted at 10:41 PM, Jul 21, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-22 07:52:31-04

(LEX 18) — With the recent spike in cases of COVID-19 in Kentucky, the demand for contact tracing has increased.

When someone tests positive for COVID-19, contact tracers call everyone they may have exposed. Then, they make recommendations on how to move forward, including whether or not to quarantine.

However, Mark Carter says not all Kentuckians are willing to participate in this process.

"I think there are a number of reasons," Carter said. "Some of it is just a fear of government intervention in your life. Things go around on social media like we're going to take your kids from you. Things like that just aren't true."

Carter also says some believe the calls from contact tracers are fraudulent. To combat this, the state is working to have the number 844-KY-TRACE pop up on your Caller ID so you know it is legitimate. Carter says it could take some time before this happens. But in the meantime, it will be used as a call back number if you miss an original call from a contact tracer.

"That number will be active in a week or so," Carter said.

While some are skeptical of the contact tracing process, Carter says many Kentuckians are willing to help, like those in Madison County where Anne Hatton leads the tracing effort.

"The majority of cases that we reach out to are very receptive and are willing to cooperate with us," Hatton said

Another form of recommendation is listening to health recommendations. For example, wearing a mask, social distancing and washing your hands.