Janice R. Andrews
Many of the safety measures and manners that were rigorously followed during the pandemic’s peak have become less relevant as COVID-19 vaccination cards and social distancing signs become obsolete. One such tradition? Notifying anyone you’ve interacted with if you receive a positive COVID-19 test result. The dynamic and frequency of disclosing exposures have altered, and probably for the better, according to Dr. Mindy Sampson, an assistant professor of infectious diseases at Stanford University. The pandemic has left us in a very different position than it did in 2019 or 2020.
However, given the current spike in summertime COVID cases, which includes President Biden, what obligations do people now have to share information if they test positive for the virus?
Why Do Individuals Who Possess COVID Not Share?
The tendency in society to move away from sharing COVID-19 diagnoses is caused by a number of factors:
Enhanced Immunity and Knowledge
“As knowledge grows, treatments arise, and the pathogen mutates to become less virulent, so do the rules we use to guide us,” says Rowan University bioethicist and physician Dr. John McGeehan. The risk of developing a serious illness has decreased for many due to vaccinations and previous infections that provide immunity. “In the beginning, being in close contact with someone who was contagious would probably result in infection,” Dr. Sampson adds. “But now, it happens sometimes and not other times, so people probably don’t feel personally accountable.”
Difficulties with Contact Tracking
Social distancing made it simpler to inform a small, controlled group if you tested positive in the early stages of the pandemic. Now that social circles have widened, it is impractical to trace intimate contacts. Dr. Sampson notes that “it’s harder to do personal contact tracing and notify every person you may have interacted with.”
COVID Fatigue
For many Americans, the continued pandemic is just too much to bear. According to NYU Grossman School of Medicine bioethics professor Arthur Caplan, “COVID kind of disappeared from the national discussion due to COVID exhaustion.”
What Happens If a Positive Test Is Found?
Although some people might feel obligated to keep their personal health information private, experts think it is morally right to share specific diagnoses, including COVID-19. According to Caplan, there are tests that are conducted in private and testing for illnesses that can infect others and create harm. If you test positive for COVID-19, you should definitely let others know and work to limit your exposure.
Guidelines from the CDC
As of the now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) do not have any particular recommendations on telling people if you test positive for COVID-19. Regardless of the exact infection, the CDC’s latest advice underscores the value of being at home and avoiding social situations while ill with respiratory viruses.
Moral Aspects to Take Into Account
Although it’s not necessary, Dr. Sampson thinks it’s the right thing to do to disclose a COVID diagnosis, particularly if you had a long-term exposure with someone. This is especially important to take into account if you’ve dealt with high-risk people, such as:
- Expectant person or new parent
- The aged
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Those with underlying medical disorders including diabetes or heart disease
- Healthcare professionals – Employees of nursing homes
“Anyone who unintentionally exposes an at-risk patient who could become seriously ill should notify that person so they can receive treatment earlier,” continues Dr. McGeehan. Those who are unable to protect themselves need our protection. That falls under the social fairness principle of medical ethics.
How to Keep Others Safe When You’re Unwell
In addition to alerting people, there are a few actions you can take to reduce the chance of the infection spreading:
Remain at Home
Dr. Sampson says, “It’s responsible and kind to stay away from people when you’re sick.” “You probably don’t want to expose your coworkers, friends, or people in public to diseases like COVID, the flu, or RSV.” You can leave your house once you haven’t had a fever or other symptoms for at least 24 hours.
Put on a mask
Wearing a mask when you must go outside while still contagious protects others, especially the more vulnerable.
Final Thoughts
The dynamics of the pandemic have changed, but the fundamental ideas of accountability and kindness have not. Although it’s not required, telling people you’ve been in contact with about a positive COVID-19 test is a thoughtful and moral decision, particularly when interacting with vulnerable groups. You can help limit the spread of COVID-19 and safeguard public health by staying at home and donning a mask when needed.
