• Published on: May 17, 2020
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

Contact Tracing During Covid Times

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Testing is quickly becoming a statistic of national pride. Countries are clamoring to test more and more people and increase accessibility for the population to receive testing. We will cover testing, its aims, and its future in a separate blog. Testing people is only half the story. It gives us information on who is infected, but to minimize the spread of infection other measures must be introduced alongside it. Contact tracing is one of these measures.

WHAT IS CONTACT TRACING

Most people who fall ill or test positive for COVID can spread the virus 2-3 days before getting the first symptoms. They can unintentionally infect the people they meet in public or work with. If infected, these people can also spread the infection without knowing it, and this leads to a rapid spread of COVID in the community, as we saw at the start of this pandemic.

Lockdown has been very good at reducing R0 (rate of infection spread), but this is done crudely by physically keeping people separated in their own homes. As R0 reduces and lockdown restrictions ease, this will no longer be feasible. By aggressively testing the population we can identify people who may be infected and instruct them and their household to remain in lockdown.

Contact tracing aims to identify the people who have been in close proximity to a person who has tested positive. This is traditionally done by questioning the infected person about their recent travel, people they met, where they work, and so on. These contacts are then instructed to isolate as well and can be tested to confirm infection. By preventing these potentially infected patients from spreading the infection, the R0 decreases and the second peak in infections is prevented.

This is not a new concept and is used often for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis or sexually transmitted infections. It has also been used in previous pandemics including 2003 SARS outbreak. In 2014 Liberia experienced one of the largest contact tracing efforts in history, with 25,000 people identified annually. Similarly in the US 29,000 people were monitored by state and local health departments after returning from West Africa, and this laid the groundwork for future COVID-19 contact tracing efforts.

The WHO has laid out guidelines for identifying potential contacts, including:

  • Being within 1 metre of a COVID-19 case for >15 minutes;
  • Direct physical contact with a COVID-19 case; 
  • Providing direct care for patients with COVID-19 disease without using proper personal protective equipment (PPE);

COVID TRACING

Today countries have updated their methodology for contact tracing, utilizing technology and smartphones to increase the accuracy and volume of data available to public health officials.

South Korea had contact tracing plans in place due to the MERS epidemic in 2015, and this was built upon for COVID. Contact tracing utilizes smartphone GPS data, credit card transaction records, and surveillance camera footage. At Seoul’s Incheon International Airport, there are walkthrough facilities to test people with symptoms of COVID and follow up those without symptoms in 3 days. New arrivals also have to download a government smartphone app to track their location and provide info on symptoms.

Singapore’s mobile app also utilizes Bluetooth data to determine devices that have been in close proximity to the infected persons’ phone and tracking these devices can identify potential contacts. It has over 1.1 million users, just under one-fifth of the country’s population.

Apple and Google together own almost the entire mobile operating system market with their respective iOS and Android platforms. They have worked together to create a framework that can allow governments to efficiently create and utilize contact tracing apps. Their efforts use Bluetooth Low Energy beacons. Nearby devices that wirelessly “shake hands” create randomly generated codes without any user-identifiable details (name, location etc). Based off Bluetooth data it can provide an estimate on distance and length of contact.  If one of the devices is identified as belonging to an infected person, all devices that have been in close proximity are alerted.

LIMITATIONS

There are limitations present, both with the methodology used and with contact tracing itself. For one, it is quite a laborious and expensive process, and works well when there are low levels of infection in the community. During pandemics, it can quickly overwhelm the contact tracing departments if they are not adequately prepared and provide excessive information that cannot be utilized effectively. It is also not useful during a lockdown, as the lockdown itself artificially lowers infectivity. Instead, it must be implemented once the peak has passed.

Effective contact tracing is also expensive and labor-intensive. The state of Massachusetts has budgeted $44 million for its contact tracing program with 2,000 tracers. If implemented nationally it would cost the US an estimated $3.6 billion and require as many as 300,000 tracers. For app-based contact tracing to work around 80% of the population needs to have the app installed, and we have seen even small countries like Singapore struggle to push past 20%.

Finally, a major issue is a privacy. Poorly coded apps with little transparency can fail to anonymize vital personally identifiable data. This may be accessed by third parties or sold on to others, putting the privacy of millions of people at risk. There are also concerns by privacy watchdogs on the unfettered access by governments to this data, and whether this can be used in an oppressive manor.

If implemented correctly contact tracing has the potential to have a significant impact on reducing infectivity and allowing states and countries to open up their economies quickly and safely. Of course, this depends on the widespread use of contact tracing, and people abiding by government suggestions. Sadly, in the news, it is now too common to see resistance to basic measures such as use of masks in public, so we will have to see whether contact tracing will have any better success.

Dr Rajan Choudhary, UK, Chief Product Officer, Second Medic Inc

www.secondmedic.com

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World AIDS Day 2024

World AIDS Day 2024: The Role of Diagnostic Centers in Combating HIV/AIDS

World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1st, serves as a critical reminder of the global fight against HIV/AIDS. This year, the theme focuses on collaboration and innovation in the healthcare sector to combat the epidemic effectively. Diagnostic centres play an indispensable role in this fight, driving early detection, routine screening, and stigma-free testing. Let’s explore how diagnostic centers are pivotal in HIV prevention and treatment, emphasizing the importance of HIV testing on World AIDS Day.

Why World AIDS Day Matters

World AIDS Day 2024 marks an opportunity to reflect on progress, advocate for better healthcare policies, and raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. Despite significant advancements, the epidemic persists, with millions unaware of their HIV status. Early detection through diagnostic centres is a cornerstone in tackling this issue, aligning with global efforts to eliminate HIV by 2030.

The Role of Diagnostic Centers in HIV Prevention

Diagnostic centres are at the heart of HIV prevention, offering services that range from early detection to community education. Here's how they contribute:

1. Early HIV Detection and Its Importance

The role of diagnostic centres in HIV early detection cannot be overstated. Identifying HIV in its initial stages:

  • Prevents disease progression: Early treatment helps maintain immune function.

  • Reduces transmission: Individuals aware of their status can take precautions to prevent spreading the virus.

  • Improves health outcomes: Patients diagnosed early are more likely to lead healthy, productive lives.

2. Routine Screening Saves Lives

Routine HIV screening, as offered by diagnostic centres, is vital for at-risk populations. Benefits include:

  • Early intervention through antiretroviral therapy (ART).

  • Reduced stigma by normalizing testing.

  • Empowerment of individuals through knowledge of their health status.

3. Advanced HIV Diagnostic Technologies

Modern diagnostic centres utilize cutting-edge technologies for HIV testing. These advancements include:

  • Rapid testing kits: Deliver results in minutes.

  • PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): Detects HIV in the early stages.

  • CD4 count and viral load tests: Monitor disease progression and treatment effectiveness.

These innovations ensure accurate, timely diagnoses, significantly improving patient care.

How Diagnostic Centers Fight HIV/AIDS

Diagnostic centres go beyond testing; they are integral to comprehensive HIV care.

Community Awareness Programs

Promoting awareness about the importance of HIV testing on World AIDS Day is a key initiative. Centers often collaborate with NGOs and public health campaigns to:

  • Educate communities on the benefits of routine HIV screening.

  • Break myths and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS.

  • Promote stigma-free HIV diagnosis on World AIDS Day.

Linking Testing to Treatment

A diagnosis is only the beginning. Diagnostic centres serve as a bridge to medical treatment by:

  • Providing access to ART programs.

  • Offering counselling services for newly diagnosed individuals.

  • Partnering with healthcare providers for continuous care.

Stigma-Free Testing

A major barrier to HIV testing is the fear of judgment. Diagnostic centres actively work to create safe, confidential environments, ensuring:

  • Patients feel comfortable seeking services.

  • Testing has become a routine aspect of healthcare.

Community Role in HIV/AIDS Awareness

The fight against HIV/AIDS requires collective effort. Communities play a critical role by:

  1. Supporting Testing Drives: Participating in initiatives organized by diagnostic centres.

  2. Promoting Education: Encouraging discussions about HIV to reduce stigma.

  3. Advocating for Change: Demanding accessible healthcare services for all.

By collaborating with diagnostic centres, communities can amplify the message of World AIDS Day 2024.

Benefits of Routine HIV Screening

Diagnostic centres emphasize routine HIV screening for everyone, especially high-risk groups. Here’s why:

  • Improved Public Health: Early detection limits the virus's spread.

  • Cost-Effective Care: Preventive measures and early treatment reduce long-term healthcare costs.

  • Psychological Well-Being: Knowing one’s status brings clarity and peace of mind.

Promoting Second Medic’s Stigma-Free HIV Diagnosis

At Second Medic Health Hub Diagnostic Center, we are committed to providing high-quality, confidential HIV testing and screening services. This World AIDS Day, we invite you to:

  • Take advantage of our advanced diagnostic technologies.

  • Join our community outreach programs to spread awareness.

  • Commit to routine screenings as part of your healthcare plan.

Our mission is to ensure that everyone has access to accurate, stigma-free healthcare. Together, we can make a difference.

Conclusion

World AIDS Day 2024 reminds us of the power of collective action. Diagnostic centres, such as Second Medic, are essential in the battle against HIV/AIDS, offering testing, education, and support to affected communities. By embracing routine screenings and promoting early detection, we can envision a future free of HIV. This World AIDS Day, let’s renew our commitment to fighting stigma and providing care to those who need it most.

Take the step today—book your HIV screening with Second Medic and be part of the change.

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