Contact tracing is the process used to identify those who come into contact with people who have tested positive for COVID-19. Contact tracing is typically triggered after a positive COVID-19 test.
Contact tracers are trained professionals from the community who get in touch with a person’s Close Contacts, including co-workers, to recommend next steps like self-quarantining.
Close contacts are anyone who was within six feet of a person for more than 10 minutes, starting two days before COVID-19 symptoms appeared.
The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) recommends employers take the following steps:
- Inform employees of the importance of contact tracing,
- Inform employees of the available resources for support, including employment protection,and
- Work with the NJDOH to share information and support contact tracing.