Accessibility links
Contact Tracing Survey Tracking the public health workforce during the coronavirus crisis
Special Series

Contact Tracing Survey

Tracking the public health workforce during the pandemic
For Overwhelmed And Burnt Out COVID-19 Contact Tracers, Help Is (Hopefully) Coming

Contact tracer Toni Parlanti of Stamford, Conn., calls a person identified as having been potentially exposed to the coronavirus this week. States and territories report they have more than 70,000 people working on contact tracing as of December. John Moore/Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption
John Moore/Getty Images

Shots - Health News

For Overwhelmed And Burnt Out COVID-19 Contact Tracers, Help Is (Hopefully) Coming

NPR's latest survey finds the contact tracing workforce now tops 70,000, a dramatic increase in the last two months. But to meet the growing demand, new federal funding will be key.

COVID-19 Contact Tracing Workforce Barely 'Inching Up' As Cases Surge
Ruth Talbot/NPR

Shots - Health News

COVID-19 Contact Tracing Workforce Barely 'Inching Up' As Cases Surge

The number of people working to stop COVID-19 outbreaks from spreading is far from the level needed in most states, according to a new NPR survey and analysis. Find out how your state is doing.

COVID-19 Contact Tracing Workforce Barely 'Inching Up' As Cases Surge

Listen · 3:39
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/923468159/923565312" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
14 States Make Contact Tracing Data Public. Here's What They're Learning
Ruth Talbot/NPR

Shots - Health News

14 States Make Contact Tracing Data Public. Here's What They're Learning

The information includes details on where transmission is happening most. If more states shared this widely, it could shape policy and save lives, health researchers say.

14 States Make Contact Tracing Data Public. Here's What They're Learning

Listen · 3:16
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/902271822/902456185" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
Coronavirus Cases Are Surging. The Contact Tracing Workforce Is Not
Ruth Talbot/NPR

Shots - Health News

Coronavirus Cases Are Surging. The Contact Tracing Workforce Is Not

NPR surveyed all 50 states about their contact tracing work. The workforce has barely grown since mid-June, while cases have skyrocketed.

Coronavirus Cases Are Surging. The Contact Tracing Workforce Is Not

Listen · 3:42
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/899954832/900063493" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
As States Reopen, Do They Have The Workforce They Need To Stop Coronavirus Outbreaks?
Ruth Talbot/NPR

Shots - Health News

As States Reopen, Do They Have The Workforce They Need To Stop Coronavirus Outbreaks?

NPR surveyed all 50 states to find out how many people they have doing contact tracing — one of the essential tools for keeping outbreaks from flaring up. Look up your state to see how it's doing.

As States Reopen, Do They Have The Workforce They Need To Stop Coronavirus Outbreaks?

Listen · 3:56
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/879787448/879892219" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
States Nearly Doubled Plans For Contact Tracers Since NPR Surveyed Them 10 Days Ago
Stephanie Adeline

Shots - Health News

States Nearly Doubled Plans For Contact Tracers Since NPR Surveyed Them 10 Days Ago

To safely reopen without risking new COVID-19 outbreaks, states need staff to do the crucial work of contact tracing. Public health agencies report they have aggressive plans to grow their workforce.

States Nearly Doubled Plans For Contact Tracers Since NPR Surveyed Them 10 Days Ago

Listen · 4:23
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/846736937/846919801" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
Browse archive or search npr.org