COVID-19: Answer the Call to Help Slow the Spread

Answer the Call

DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) Case Investigators and Contact Tracers are reaching out to individuals who have COVID-19 and their close contacts*. Through these calls, they ensure that anyone who has COVID-19, as well as their close contacts, has the necessary support to isolate or quarantine safely. Please do your part; answer the call and provide our staff with all the information needed to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.

*Close contacts are individuals who have been within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more with a person with COVID-19 or have had direct contact with fluids from a person with COVID-19 (for example, being coughed or sneezed on, sharing eating or drinking utensils), or have had direct physical contact with a person with COVID-19 (hugged or kissed them), or have provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19.

Why We Need Your Help

As part of our case investigations, public health staff will work to contact everyone who has COVID-19 along with their close contacts. By participating and answering our questions, you will protect the lives of your family, friends, and community members by helping to slow the spread of COVID-19.


Please Note: 

Any information you share with public health workers is CONFIDENTIAL. This means that your personal and medical information will be kept private.

Public health staff will NEVER ask for:

  • Money
  • Debit/Credit Card or Bank Account Information
  • Social Security Numbers (SSN)
  • Immigration Status

COVID-19 Information and Resources

Resources are available to anyone who has COVID-19 and their close contacts. To view these resources, visit our COVID-19: Information and Resources page. 

How It Works 

First, public health staff will call anyone who has COVID-19 and will always provide residents with their name and 312-777-1999 as the call back number.  

TAnswer the Callhe number that will appear on your phone is 312-777-1999 and/or IL COVID HELP. If you see this, please answer the call.

If you miss a phone call from the number 312-777-1999 or the caller identification IL COVID HELP, please call back 312-777-1999 to speak with DCHD staff. 

DCHD may also follow up with a text message from 99140.  The message will say:

"IL COVID HELP: DuPage County Health Department is trying to reach you.  Please call 312-777-1999 from 8am to 7pm https://www.dupagehealth.org/652/Answer-the-Call"

During the call, public health staff will ask you to confirm information about yourself, information about your close contacts, and they will ensure that you have the necessary resources needed during isolation. We will encourage you to notify your contacts about your illness. 

Once your interview is completed, contact tracers will reach out to your close contacts and notify them that they have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. The necessary information for quarantine will be provided to them, they will be advised to stay at home, monitor their symptoms and be in touch with their healthcare provider. Staff will ensure they have the necessary support and resources.

Additional Resources

COVID-19 What is Contact Tracing Image Opens in new window