Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) is launching a new, online survey for COVID-19 case investigation. This streamlined process will make case investigation faster, easier, and more efficient for Mesa County residents.
Case investigation is the process to determine potential exposure and close contacts of someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Since the first case of COVID-19 was identified in Mesa County in March 2020, the majority of case investigations have occurred via phone, with MCPH employees calling the individual who has tested positive for COVID-19.
“There are many COVID-19 cases to interview,” Serena Alvarado, COVID-19 Operations Supervisor, said. Contacting people by phone isn’t always the quickest or easiest method. “This survey and new text method mean people who have tested positive don’t have to wait for a call, but can just jump right in and learn more about how to keep themselves and their families safe.”
With the new approach, when someone tests positive for COVID-19, MCPH will send a text message, inviting them to participate in a confidential survey. The survey collects information about symptoms and testing dates and provides guidance on next steps, such as how long to isolate.
“The massive increase in cases related to the Omicron surge has made us look to new methods to do our work,” said Director of Public Health for Mesa County, Jeff Kuhr. “Tools like this survey will mean we can reach more people, more quickly. We want to inform all residents about steps they can take to help our entire community. We know it’s individual actions that can really make a difference.”
MCPH is aware that concerns about scams related to texts might make residents less willing to click a link in a text. Here are a few red flags to keep in mind:
- The text from MPCH will come from the number (970) 463-3450. The text will identify ourselves as being from Mesa County Public Health with a link to a survey.
- The survey link provided will take you to a secure form, for which you need to register.
- The survey will never ask for banking information, financial information, or things like your Social Security Number.
- You may be asked to verify your identity with items such as your name, birth date, or address.
- When in doubt, you can call MCPH at 970-248-6900, to speak with someone about your case.
- It is possible a follow-up phone call from our Case Investigation team could occur after completing the survey online.
Visit our website for a new tool that can be used to calculate isolation and quarantine dates based on an individual’s date of exposure. Stay up to date by visiting health.mesacounty.us.