Providing accurate information will prevent spread – epidemiologist

COVID-19 contact tracing

…as public scared of discrimination

Many persons within the public domain might be hesitant to report cases where they might have come into contact with an individual who later tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Epidemiologist attached to the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, Dr Luella Sucre has stressed the importance of providing information to stop the spread. Moreover, the data provided should be accurate to effectively trace other suspected cases.
“In order for us to do good contact tracing, that can only be done if the persons are open, honest about their movements, whereabouts and symptoms. The general public have the impression that they will be discriminated once they have COVID-19 or the actual pick-up process might be a very scary one so they’re usually hesitant to give us information. If they don’t give us the information that we need, we wouldn’t be able to prevent further spread of COVID-19,” Dr Sucre indicated during a discussion released by the Public Health Ministry.
Presently, the Ministry receives information about suspected cases through open forms of communication, such as its hotlines and mobile app which were specifically created for the COVID-19 response. Health facilities and regional administrations also provide information to the relevant surveillance teams. The Epidemiology and Surveillance team at the Public Health Ministry is responsible for acting on the data provided.
“The information comes though mainly via calls and/or it could also be in the form of messages. From there, the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit is responsible for the processing of that information. We can also receive information from health facilities in the regions. As long as the information filters and flows through to the surveillance unit and the surveillance unit is immediately notified, we are actively involved on a daily basis for the contact tracing of these persons,” the scientist shared.
She went on to say that for them to effectively carry out their functions and flatten the curve, persons need to come forward with information on possible suspected cases.
“It may be contact tracing of the cases themselves or persons that are suspected. Information is also provided by the regions and the sentinel sites for effective prevention and control of COVID-19. The Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit can only do effective contact tracing if information is provided, persons are honest about their whereabouts, persons they have been in contact with and the symptoms that they are experiencing at that time.”