JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — Local health officials are already noticing a dramatic increase in COVID cases during the holiday span. As a result, testing and notification has become problematic.
The marked increase in COVID cases experienced in Teton County over the 7-day span between December 19-25, 2021, includes 209 reported cases among local residents. This is a 386% increase in case numbers over the previous 7-day period and the uptick has overwhelmed the Teton County Health Department’s case investigation team.
At this time, case investigators are not able to contact everyone who tests positive for COVID-19. Case investigators are now prioritizing cases based on age, those who are believed to be at higher risk for severe disease, those who live or work in communal living settings, or instances where there is concern of significant further spread of COVID in the community. Teton County residents who test positive for COVID-19 but do not meet these criteria may not receive a call from Health Department staff during this surge of cases even if they are positive.
Anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and has not received a call from Health Department staff, should do the following:
- Isolate yourself from everyone possible, including members of your household, stay home and don’t return to work until 10 days after your symptom onset.
- Notify all those who have been in close contact with you while you were sick or up to 48 hours prior to your onset of symptoms and let them know that they may have been exposed to COVID-19. Close contacts who have symptoms should get tested as soon as possible. Those who do not have symptoms should wait until at least 5 days after the exposure before they test.
- If you believe you are at high risk for severe disease, contact your healthcare provider for information and treatment options.
- As stated by the CDC, “Look for emergency warning signs for COVID-19 such as trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds, or any other symptom that is concerning you. If someone is showing signs of any of these symptoms call 911 or seek emergency medical care.”
Anyone who is notified of possible close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, should do one of the following:
- If you are fully vaccinated and not experiencing symptoms, monitor yourself for symptoms, get tested 5-7 days after the exposure, and wear a mask in all indoor settings until you get a negative test result, or it has been 14 days since the exposure.
- If you are not fully vaccinated and have no symptoms, you should quarantine and get tested 5 days after the exposure.
- If you are experiencing symptoms, you should isolate and get tested as soon as possible regardless of your vaccination status.
Local health officials expect the community will continue to see an increase in COVID cases over the coming weeks. Community members should expect that they may be exposed to COVID in certain environments such as crowded enclosed areas and are urging everyone to continue following all necessary precautions such as wearing masks in crowded indoor settings, staying home and getting tested when sick, and getting vaccinated including getting a booster dose when eligible.
