As a country, we are facing the most difficult challenge most of us can remember - but we are facing it together with strength and discipline. Most of us are working together to fight the spread of COVID-19, and now we know how to do it: wear a mask, keep a safe 6-foot distance, wash or sanitize your hands often, and if you feel sick – stay home.

The last seven months have been challenging for all of us – parents and children dealing with educational disruption, families separated, grandparents unable to hug their grandchildren, older relatives in nursing homes unable to hold hands with their children, and many families suffering from food insecurity and unemployment. But we have the power to make this better. We just need to follow good public guidance and listen to the science.

Two critically important tools we can use to stop the spread of COVID-19 are testing and contact tracing. And that’s been proven in countries all over the world. You should know that your information will remain safe and confidential in both testing and contact tracing.

The contact tracing program

Contact tracing is the process of contacting all people who have tested positive for COVID-19 or have had contact with someone who tested positive. It is possible to be infected with COVID-19 and have no symptoms, so contact tracing is currently one of the best ways to identify and notify people who may be infected in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. Participating in contact tracing is a way to protect you, your family and your community. 

If you test positive for the virus, or have been in contact with someone who has, you will be contacted by a contact tracer from the local or state health department. They will ask you for the contact information of people you have been close to in order to speak with them – but they will not identify you as the source of that information – your information will remain protected. 

You will see “CT COVID TRACE” or the number for your local health department on your caller ID.

If you are contacted by a contact tracer who lets you know that you may have been exposed, please follow the directions they give you about getting tested and how long to stay at home. 

After the initial conversation, contact tracers will ask to do daily check-ins to see how you are feeling. For those who choose to participate electronically, surveys can be sent by email or text message daily.

It is important to answer your phone if you see that number. In previous columns, we have often advised you to not answer unknown numbers, for fear of a possible scam, but these are not ordinary times. By responding quickly and following the advice of public health officials, we can help our communities beat this virus!

Your information, and scams

The only purpose for collecting this information is to provide you, and the people you have had contact with, information and resources to keep you and your community safe. Again, contact tracers will never identify you as the source of information or give names or contact information to employers, the police or immigration services.

Contact tracers will never ask for your social security number, or financial information. If they do – hang up the phone. It’s a scam.

Survey messages from ContaCT will be sent from SVC-Covid19@ct.gov; text messages will be sent from (855) 670-0299. Please respond to those numbers. That is the official contact information for the contact tracing program. Remember, you will see “CT COVID TRACE” or the number for your local health department on your caller ID if you receive a call.

Support if you need to stay home

If you test positive, or are waiting for a test result, you will be asked to stay home to limit exposure to others. It may be very difficult to stay home and isolate from your family, but Governor Lamont has recently initiated a program to help you stay safe, keep your loved ones safe and provide assistance while you stay at home. 

During your first conversation, and follow-up conversations, contact tracers will ask you if you need support in order to stay home. If you need assistance – grocery shopping or trips to the food pantry, pharmacy, or even if you can’t go to work or require temporary housing – there is help for you. With your permission, contact tracers can provide your information to Community Resource Coordinators connected to organizations right in your community to help you find local resources to provide the help you need to stay safe and keep you family safe. 

Get tested

If you have symptoms – a higher than normal temperature, a cough or scratchy throat are among the most common early signs – please get tested. If you live in a densely populated area, or in congregate housing, you may be at higher risk to contract COVID-19. You should get tested regularly – even if you’re asymptomatic. You can find a site that conducts free testing near you by visiting ct.gov/prioritytesting.

Wearing masks, washing your hands, keeping a safe distance and now participating in the contract tracing process are the most effective ways to help us fight COVID-19.

We are strong. We can fight this, but only together. As always, stay safe and Pass It On.

This article was written by Catherine Blinder, chief education and outreach officer of the Department of Consumer Protection of the State of Connecticut. To learn more about how the Department of Consumer Protection can help, visit us online at www.ct.gov/dcp.