In response to the increasing number of positive COVID-19 cases in Calhoun County, the Calhoun County Public Health Department (CCPHD) is asking residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 to take action in completing the Patient Education Genius (PEG) online survey. PEG will be used to help support COVID-19 case investigations and prioritization of disease outbreaks. This digital survey tool will combine with support from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) for follow-up and monitoring of individuals identified as being close contacts to a confirmed COVID-19 case.
When the health department receives notification of a person who tested positive for COVID-19, the PEG system will issue that individual a text message and/or e-mail with a link to an online survey. The survey only asks for information that is allowable under the Public Health Code and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPAA) Privacy Act, such as demographics, symptoms, occupation, attendance at public events or gatherings, and people with whom they may have been in close contact. The survey does not gather any private information like social security numbers, personal passwords, or banking details.
Gathering this information helps to identify those who may spread the virus to others, including initiating timely isolation and quarantine measures. For those individuals who receive notification from the PEG system, it is crucial to get your online survey submitted so the CCPHD can continue case investigations and avoid new outbreaks in the community. Individuals who do not respond to the text message or email may receive a follow-up phone call or a letter from health department staff.
