COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) says it has hired more than 1,800 contact tracers to support the stateβs ongoing COVID-19 response efforts.
βWith increased testing there will be an increase in the number of positive cases reported,β said Dr. Linda Bell, South Carolina State Epidemiologist.βThis means we will need to increase the extent of its contact tracing, and we are prepared to do so.β
DHEC. normally employs approximately 20 contact tracers who help limit the spread of diseases like tuberculosis and hepatitis. These infectious disease experts investigate hundreds of disease outbreaks each year.
βAs we enhance our testing efforts, DHEC set goal with our AccelerateSC partners of identifying 1,000 contact tracers by May 31,β Bell said. βIβm proud to announce that weβve met that goal.β
Officials encourage South Carolinians to take advantage of free testing clinics and continue to:
- Practicing social distancing
- Wearing a mask while out in public
- Avoiding touching frequently touched items
- Regularly washing your hands
For more information about contact tracing, please click HERE.
