New Text Messaging System To Be Used For COVID Notifications

The Upper Cumberland Regional Health Office launched a new text message process for COVID cases Monday.

Clinical Disease Nurse Leslie Looper said those that have recently tested positive for COVID should expect a text message with a link to complete a survey.

“Because of the volume of cases that we are receiving in the Upper Cumberland Region, it has been challenging to be able to get people on the phone,” Looper said. “So, we’re hoping this would help to reach more cases quicker.”

Looper said the online survey will ask questions about exposures and symptoms a patient is experiencing. Looper said the text messaging system that replaces phone interviews will help speed up patient isolation and reduce COVID numbers.

“That’s typically information we would get over the phone, so now, this is in a survey form,” Looper said. “They can answer questions where they have been and who they have been in contact with just for the purpose of data collection.”

Looper said all residents are encouraged to respond to the survey to help battle against COVID. Looper said phone calls will be made in the event texting is not an option.

Traditional phone interviews for contact tracing notifications will continue.