The Saskatchewan Health Authority is introducing a shared approach to COVID-19 contact tracing, that will see people with COVID-19 notify their close contacts of their diagnosis.
Health officials say with the cases surging, the number of people needing to be reached out to as close contacts is growing as well. They note this, along with limited public health resources, has created challenges in getting a timely notification to close contacts.
Now, when someone is diagnosed with COVID-19, they will receive isolation education, and also be told the parameters that make someone a close contact. The positive person will also be told what information to provide to their contacts.
In the meantime, the SHA will be working to identify persons testing positive in healthcare settings, vulnerable populations, long term care and other congregate living settings.
Shifting to this method will allow health workers to prioritize investigations in these settings so that outbreak prevention and control measures can be put into action quickly, the SHA notes.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority and Ministry of Health will also be reviewing protocols around school case management or tracing.
Residents are also encouraged to use the Health Canada COVID Alert App and get vaccinated whenever possible to protect individuals from serious illness and curb the spread.