If you receive a call from area code "833" or "857" ---> PLEASE take the call!
These are dedicated area codes assigned by the state of Massachusetts through the COVID-19 Community Tracing Collaborative (CTC).
Launched last month, the CTC is reaching out to contact those who have come into contact with individuals who test positive for COVID-19.
More detail in this press release from Berlin Fire/EMS Chief Kenneth Clark: *************************** PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
From: Fire Chief/EMD Ken Clark 08 May 2020 To: Citizens of Berlin Regarding: Community Tracing Collaborative (CTC) Initiative
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic a State of Emergency was declared by Governor Baker on 10 March 2020. The Department of Public Health (DPH) has statutory and regulatory authority to investigate, monitor, prevent and control diseases dangerous to the public health.
Yesterday, the Baker-Polito Administration joined Partners in Health and local public health officials to provide an update on contract tracing efforts through the COVID-19 Community Tracing Collaborative (CTC) launched last month. The initiative focuses on tracing the contacts of confirmed positive COVID-19 patients, supporting individuals in quarantine and building on COVID-19 Response Command Center efforts to leverage public health college students to augment the contact tracing being done by local boards of health. If an individual tests positive for COVID-19, the MA COVID Team will reach out by phone to connect the confirmed case with support and resources necessary for quarantine, and to identify any close contacts that may have been exposed. As the CTC continues its contact tracing work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, it is critical that Massachusetts residents answer the phone when a contact tracer calls or texts. Contact tracers will only reach out from phone numbers with 833 or 857 area codes, and the phone’s caller ID will say MA COVID Team. Thank you for your continued support.
