Southern Nevada Health District implements automated COVID-19 notification system
NOTE: News release and attachments have been updated to reflect a new phone number.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 18, 2020
LAS VEGAS – As Clark County’s COVID-19 case count began to climb, the Southern Nevada Health District expanded its staff of four disease investigators to more than 60 in six weeks. Today, as staff continues to work on case and contact notifications for the more than 5,400 reported cases in Clark County, the agency has implemented an automated system to expedite its efforts to notify people who have tested positive for COVID-19.
This new system will ensure the Health District can more quickly and efficiently provide people diagnosed with COVID-19 information on isolation as well as identify potential close contacts. When close contacts are identified, they are notified by the Health District and provided information on the need to self-quarantine. All identified contacts also have the opportunity to enroll in the Health District’s symptom monitoring mobile app. Contacts log in daily to report whether they are experiencing signs or symptoms of COVID-19. If anyone reports signs or symptoms, the Health District is alerted and can arrange for testing.
Quick identification of contacts who have been exposed is an important step in interrupting the transmission of COVID-19 to others.
“The Health District relies on complete and timely reporting from medical providers who order testing for COVID-19 to identify and track cases successfully,” said Dr. Michael Johnson, Director, Community Health Division for the Health District. “We also rely on the cooperation of our community members to help identify people who may have been exposed, and they are integral to our success,” said Dr. Johnson.
The Health District will notify people through email or text message. The email address used by the Health District for notifications is do-not-reply@snhd.org. Text messages will come from (844) 990-0029. To ensure confidentiality, patients will be asked to verify their identity on the Health District’s secure portal prior to being given information about their test results.
More information and COVID-19 resources are available at www.SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict.org/coronavirus. The public can also access the Health District’s Information Line at (702) 759-1300 seven days a week from 7 a.m. —7 p.m.
Automated Notification Examples:
The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.