This web page highlights basic principles of case investigation and contact tracing to stop COVID-19 transmission; detailed guidance for health departments is available. Case investigation and contact tracing, a core disease control measure employed by local and state health department personnel for decades, is a key strategy for preventing further spread of COVID-19. Immediate action is needed. Communities must scale up and train a large workforce and work collaboratively across public and private agencies to stop the transmission of COVID-19. 316704A October 10, 2020 12:38 PM https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/php/principles-contact-tracing-booklet.pdf

Certain core principles of case investigation and contact tracing must always be adhered to -- Case investigation and contact tracing is part of the process of supporting patients and warning contacts of exposure in order to stop chains of transmission -- Time is of the essence -- Case investigation and contact tracing in care facilities, other congregate living settings and households with many people living in one house is a priority -- Social services and housing will be needed for contacts unable to separate themselves from others in their current living situation -- Communication with the public is crucial -- Data management and technology will be needed -- Ongoing monitoring and assessment of case investigation and contact tracing efforts will be needed.

Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library collection