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SETTINGS

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Contact Tracing

Dallas County Health and Human Services - 2377 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75207
Telephone: 214-819-2000

Dallas County COVID-19 Contact Tracing

Overview

Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) contacts individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 to complete contact tracing. If you live in Dallas County and test positive for COVID-19, you may receive text messages from DCHHS or Parkland about contact tracing. Making a choice to work with contact tracers helps to protect you, your family, and your community by slowing the spread of COVID-19. This video explains how it works: "Answer The Call"

How It Works

If you receive a text message from DCHHS, here is what you need to know:

  • This message is truly originating from our health department, and will appear to be sent from a number that begins with the following prefix: (469)-747-XXXX.
  • Please follow the instructions provided in the text message.
  • A COVID-19 contact tracer is available to speak with you from 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM on weekdays, and 10 AM – 6:00 PM on weekends.

Why does DCHHS need to talk to me?

  • To provide guidance on how long you should stay home.
  • To ask you about how you are feeling and if you have any questions about your illness.
  • To see if there are any additional persons who may need to watch for signs of illness and stay home.

Why does DCHHS need to know who my close contacts are?

  • The contact tracer can help to speak with your close contacts, to let them know that they may have been exposed to COVID-19 and provide additional guidance.
  • Unless you give permission, your name will not be given to those you identify as close contacts

How does DCHHS protect my private information?  

  • The personal information that you share with your contact tracer will remain private.
  • Contact tracers will never ask for your social security number, credit card number, or bank information.
  • Information gathered during your contact tracing interview is not used for any other purpose.

Technology

If you receive a text message from Parkland, here is what you need to know:  

  • Dallas County Health and Human Services partnered with Parkland Health and Hospital System and Qualtrics to implement secure, web-based surveys to aid in the contact tracing process.
  • If you tested positive for COVID-19, you may receive a health assessment survey that asks about your health and with whom you had close contact.
  • You will then receive follow-up wellness check surveys.
  • Meanwhile, the people you identified as close contact may receive a survey asking about their health and providing guidance about testing and quarantining.
  • Links to surveys will come via email or text message and include a phone number you can call if you have questions or concerns.

Security and Safety

  • When you receive an initial call from a contact tracer at Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS), the number displayed will typically be 214-819-2000.
  • As a follow up to an initial call, a contact tracer from DCHHS may call or text you from their DCHHS mobile phone, which could be from many different phone numbers. The text messages may be automated messages.
  • If you receive a call, text or email regarding contact tracing and you are unsure if it’s legitimate, please call the Dallas County Health and Human Services COVID-19 Call Center at 972-692-2780.
  • Contact tracers will never ask for your social security number, bank information or credit card number.
  • Information gathered during the contact tracing process is not used for any other purpose

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