Contact Tracing, A Challenging But Crucial Exercise

Officials have tracked down around 7,000 close contacts of COVID-19 patients in Tamil Nadu so far

- Serena Josephine M.

Every time a person tests positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the process of tracing his/her contacts begins. Exclusive teams at the State- and district-level trace the patient’s recent movements, tracking down the persons with whom he/ she had come into contact before testing positive.

Till now, officials have tracked down approximately 7,000 close contacts of COVID-19 patients in Tamil Nadu. There are many others — primarily low-risk contacts — who have also been traced.

Contact tracing is not an easy job, but is a crucial exercise. Tracking down the contacts of patients is essential to identify those who had been exposed to the disease and manage them, restrict their movement and prevent further transmission, according to officials.