This handbook is intended for public health professionals, communicators, advocates or anyone else who needs to motivate the public to participate in testing and tracing.

This document provides information on how community health workers (CHWs) can support contact tracing efforts related to COVID-19 in low resource and resource-limited non-U.S. settings. The considerations provided can be adapted to follow national or local guidelines and account for local context.

This Handbook draws on insights from cognitive science, linguistics, focus groups and a nationally representative message-testing survey. It includes audience insights, tested language and science-based do’s and don’ts that public health officials can use to transform their communications.

The COVID-19 crisis has created an unprecedented need for contact tracing across the country, requiring thousands of people to learn key skills quickly. The job qualifications for contact tracing positions differ throughout the country and the world, with some new positions open to individuals with a high school diploma or equivalent.