State

IDPH adopts CDC isolation protocols, adds digital vaccine verification option

By Sauk Valley Media staff report
An information sheet provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health that explains contract tracing.

An information sheet provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health that explains contract tracing. (Illinois Department of Public Health)

SPRINGFIELD  — The Illinois Department of Public Health said Thursday in a news release it was adopting federal recommendations for shorter isolation and quarantine periods for COVID-19 close contacts.

This week the IDPH also provided updates on its Vax Verify immunization portal and its efforts to centralize contract tracing.

Isolation

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday that people who test positive but do not have symptoms can reduce the isolation period to five days if they continue to wear a mask an additional five more days. The previous isolation periods were double that. The CDC also reduced quarantine for five days for close contacts that show no symptoms and don masks the following five days. The IDPH adopted these stances as well as the ones that recommend mask-wearing for 10 days after exposure in a close contact case for vaccinated persons who haven’t yet received a booster or don’t yet qualify for one.

Vax Verify

The state said the SMART Health Card Verifier App, available on Apple AppStore and Google Play store, can now be used as an easy way for cellphone users to share their vaccination status. Users can download a QR code, which can be used to confirm an individual’s vaccination status at businesses, events and other locations. The proof of vaccination can be found through the Vax Verify portal (https://idphportal.illinois.gov) for state residents ages 18 and older.  Individuals can see their own vaccination record in the Illinois Comprehensive Automated Immunization Registry Exchange, also known as I-CARE.

Contract tracing

Starting on Tuesday, the IDPH started notifying persons who test positive in close contact cases via text — provided the data entry corresponds to a cellphone number provided by the individual. IDPH Director Dr. Ngotiz Ezike said the centralized notification system is designed to reduce the burden on local health departments across the state. Because of concerns over scams, the text messages will be issued only for newly identified cases, the IDPH said.

IllinoisCOVID-19Illinois Department of Public Health