Contact Tracing Underway in the Florida Parishes

Dr. Gina Lagarde, the Office of Public Health regional medical director for the five-parish region

(Washington, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, St. Helena, and Livingston Parishes) said,  “Contact tracing can help us quickly identify and contain spread of the virus. Everyone can help protect themselves, their families and the community by talking openly with the contact tracer if called. The call is private and your information will not be shared with other people.”

Contact tracing is crucial as Louisiana eases restrictions on businesses and activities. Contact tracing works as follows: When someone tests positive, a contact tracer will try to call everyone who came in close contact with the COVID-positive person. Everyone called by a contact tracer is advised to watch themselves for signs of illness for 14 days from when they first came in contact with the COVID-19 person.

All contact tracers will call from 877-766-2130. If someone calls from a number other than 877-766-2130, claims to be a contact tracer and asks for personal information, hang up immediately.