South Kent News

Officials of the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) announced on Oct. 21 they will expand the use of new software technology to track people testing positive for the COVID-19 virus and warning those who have been exposed to them.

A health department news release from Kent County said the new system is a response to the rising number of coronavirus cases in Kent County.

In partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), the system called “Patient Education Genius” will provide a more detailed analysis of monitoring and follow-up for individuals identified as being in close contact with someone who has a confirmed case of the virus.

Michigan software developer CoherentRx developed the digital system.

The process begins with the software collecting and registering data for people who test positive for the virus, sending them a survey to complete via text message or email. The KCHD has used the system on a limited scale over the past month but will now expand its use.

Information will be provided to people testing positive on how they can quarantine and the availability of local resources to meet their needs.

People younger than 17 or older than 70, which is the highest-risk group, will receive a direct call from a KCHD health officer. Those who neglect to fill out a digital survey will receive a call from an investigator who will gather the needed information over the phone.

The surveys collected will show demographics, illness symptoms, job status, attendance at public events or social gatherings, and a list of anyone with whom they have been in close contact.

The surveys will not violate state and federal privacy laws or provide information such as Social Security numbers, banking information or computer access passwords. Letters will be sent to those who are likely to have been exposed and recommend a ten-day isolation period.

Follow-up will be provided after ten days by KCHD officials to make sure a person can be cleared to return to their normal activities.  

MDHHS volunteers will monitor daily anyone in close contact with an individual under quarantine to check for symptoms. A person who has been in close contact with someone who's tested positive should get tested, but the report noted that quarantines should be maintained because, even after a negative test result, people can still develop symptoms and infect others.