Rural counties are reaching the limits of their contact tracing efforts. Due to the record high numbers of COVID-19, Sauk County public health officials are unable to call close contacts of people who tested positive for the disease. Jefferson County Public Health Department Director Gail Scott said her staff asked people who tested positive to do their own contact tracing last week. Scott and her staff are focusing on contact tracing for schools, long-term care facilities, and businesses. Scott said one reason for the surge in local cases is people wanting life to go back to normal. Jefferson County has found outbreaks related to weddings, funerals, birthday parties, baby showers, schools, and businesses.
Rural Reporter