CASPER, WYOMING (November 24, 2020) – In response to record-breaking COVID-19 cases, the Casper-Natrona County Health Department (CNCHD) will conduct contact tracing only if confirmed positive cases are within six days of testing, per new national guidelines.
Natrona County saw 941 new cases last week alone, far exceeding previous weekly highs from earlier in the pandemic. Although some cases have remained isolated to certain groups or pockets, many are due to widespread community transmission. Due to this incredible increase in volume, contact tracing has become increasingly difficult both locally and across the state. As a result, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued new guidelines for communities like Casper who are experiencing drastic surges that have
made existing contact tracing methods unmanageable.
In accordance with these new guidelines, positive cases over six days past test collection will no longer be contact traced. This shift puts an emphasis on timeliness, prioritizing contact tracing toward newer cases, which will more effectively limit and slow transmission.
For any new positive cases who have not been contact traced or those needing documentation for employment or other purposes, visit https://casperpublichealth.org/i-tested-positive/.
COVID-19 is still present in our community and now more than ever it requires each person to do their part. Things like washing hands often, using hand sanitizer when hand washing is unavailable, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, staying home if you are sick, practicing social distancing, covering the mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others and in public, covering coughs and sneezes, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces are crucial.
If you are experiencing flu like symptoms or have had direct contact with a known positive case, please seek testing through the Casper-Natrona County Health Department by visiting caspervcovid.com or by calling 307-577- 9892.