The goal of contact tracing is to limit the contact between people who are infected with COVID-19 and others to reduce the opportunities for the virus to be transmitted.

What is contact tracing?

Contact tracing seeks to identify anyone who has come in close contact with an infected individual, defined as spending more than 15 minutes within 6 feet of that person. If we can effectively identify individuals who have been exposed to someone with a positive case of COVID-19, requiring them to self-quarantine will reduce the risk of other people they might otherwise interact with potentially becoming infected. Contact tracing involves:

Identifying members of the community with confirmed positive cases of COVID-19.
Determining who the infected individual has come in contact with since becoming infectious.
Contacting individuals potentially at-risk for developing COVID-19 and recommending self-quarantining for 14 days.
Frequently checking in with individuals in self-quarantine to monitor symptoms, provide support, and advise on next steps.

How is contact tracing done?

Contact tracing can be done using:

Technology applications
In-person phone calls
A combination of both in-person and technology strategies

Contact Tracing at SMU

To reduce transmission of the COVID-19 virus, students will be included in SMU's University Contact Tracing Program which will identify individuals who may have been in close contact with a confirmed positive case of COVID-19. This process will be conducted in accordance with county, state and federal guidelines. Medical confidentiality and privacy will be maintained for everyone. Contacts will be told only that they have been exposed to a positive case and the person they may have been exposed to will not be identified.

If a student tests positive for COVID-19:

The student will be contacted by a member of the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center staff with test results and instructions for self-isolation.
- If the student tests positive at an outside testing facility and not the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center, they must submit a Caring Community Connections Form to report their positive test.
The student will receive a phone call from a member of the SMU Contact Tracing Team to discuss:
- Symptoms
- Current living situation
- Isolation procedures (if needed, the student will be contacted by a member of Student Affairs to arrange isolation housing and meal delivery)
- Close contacts
- Outreach to instructors
A follow-up email will be sent to the student with details from the phone call.
The student can expect daily check-ins via phone from a member of the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center Staff and regular check-ins via phone from the Contact Tracing Team while in isolation to discuss symptoms, get resources, and ask questions.
The student will be instructed about when they can leave isolation by a member of the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center.

If a student is identified as a "close contact" with someone testing positive for COVID-19:

The student will receive a phone call from a member of the SMU Contact Tracing Team who will notify the student of their exposure, check for COVID-19 symptoms and discuss quarantine procedures based on the student's living situation.
The student will be directed to self-quarantine in their place of residence for 14 days.
- Self-quarantine will not be required for students who have tested positive for COVID-19 and recovered in the previous 3 months.
With the student's permission, contact tracers will reach out to the student's instructors to explain why the student is not able to attend class in person.
Contact tracers will provide regular check-ins via phone every other day for students in quarantine to monitor symptoms, provide resources, and answer questions.

PLEASE NOTE: It is vital to give truthful answers to questions asked during contact tracing interviews. No disciplinary action will be imposed on students for answers during contract tracing interviews.

Who is notified?

To maintain privacy, names of confirmed COVID-19 cases will not be shared and only close contacts will be notified of exposure to an individual with a confirmed COVID-19 case. Emails will not go out to the entire campus, specific departments, or other individuals.

Should a student need academic accommodations, a member of the Contact Tracing Team, with the student's permission, will reach out to their instructors.

For more information on confirmed cases on campus and how they are reported visit the SMU COVID-19 website.

Learn More

For more information on contact tracing at SMU click here.

Learn how technology can be used to help enhance contact tracing by watching this video: