MI, Local Health Departments Calling Residents About Coronavirus

MICHIGAN — Local health departments and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services staff want Michiganders to know they are reaching out to residents and their close contacts if they have tested positive for the coronavirus.

The state on Wednesday said the public health staff are calling to check on the health status of these individuals, and provide information pertaining to the coronavirus and actions they should be taking.

“We recognize many people do not like to answer the phone if they don’t recognize the number, but during this time this call could be someone offering you important information regarding your health,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “We ask Michiganders to please answer these calls and return voicemails from the local health departments or the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.”

Calls may be from area codes where residents typically do not receive calls from, including the 517 area code. To keep each person’s information private and to provide residents with information they need, it is important for health department staff to speak directly with impacted Michiganders.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel recently issued a reminder to residents to be on alert for scammers spoofing numbers from local health departments. Spoofing allows it to appear as if the caller is dialing from a recognizable number to encourage you to pick up the phone. MDHHS wants residents to be aware of how to determine a scam call from a legitimate call from the health department.

Local health departments and MDHHS will not:

• Offer medication for treatment or prevention of the coronavirus.
• Ask for Medicaid or other insurance information for billing purposes.
• Request personal financial information such as a social security number or driver’s license number.

Legitimate questions that will be asked include current health status, symptoms they may be experiencing, individuals they have been in contact with, places they have been in recent days and other health-related questions.

Anyone concerned about a call received from a local health department or MDHHS should contact the COVID-19 Hotline at (888) 535-6136. This line is available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.