HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — County and state health department officials typically doesn’t make calls to the public — until now.
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services officials say state workers or possibly county health officials are making calls to people who may have been exposed to COVID -19, the aggressive upper-respiratory virus.
They’re calling to share what actions people should be taking, help locate needed services and track the spread of the infection in the community.
State officials says you may get a call from an unfamiliar area code, including 517.
Health officials will only speak with the person affected, for the sake of privacy. They’ll ask for such information as your current health status, symptoms you may be experiencing, individuals you may have been in contact with, places you’ve been in recent days as well as other other health-related questions.
These calls highlight the fact that scam artist are using phone calls also — to exploit people’s fears of COVID-19.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reminds people to be wary of scammers who may pretend to be from the health department. She says you can tell it’s a scam if the caller:
- Offers medication for treatment or prevention of COVID-19.
- Asks for Medicaid or other insurance information for billing purposes.
- Requests personal financial information such as a social security number or driver’s license number.
Anyone concerned about a suspicious call can call the COVID-19 Hotline at (888) 535-6136. This line is available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
