11/19/20 - Knox County continues to see an increase in cases of COVID-19 with more than 500 cases recorded this month, bringing the total since the first case in March, to over 1,000.

 With the rapid increase in positive cases, Knox Public Health is announcing a new process to contact those who have been infected with COVID-19. Instead of being notified by a text message or phone call, all positive cases will receive a letter with instructions regarding isolation and notification of close contacts. New cases will also be able to either log on to a website or scan a QR code to complete forms and provide information.

In the past, this information would have been collected over the phone with a public health nurse. The new process streamlines the information gathering operation which is an important step in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Knox Public Health is also requesting that anyone who thinks they are a close contact of someone who has tested positive, to contact that individual. Then the positive individual can provide information to Knox Public Health for follow-up with the close contact.

 Callers to the COVID-19 Call Line will also find some improvements. Now, those wanting to schedule an appointment for a COVID test can select an option to be connected directly with a scheduler. Those with questions, can still leave a message and then receive a call-back from a public health professional.

 For more information on what isolation means for a positive case and what quarantine means for a close contact, visit the Knox Public Health website at knoxhealth.com.

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