(KWNO)-The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is using text messaging and email to expedite its investigations of positive COVID-19 cases.
Minnesotans who test positive for COVID will get a text from MDH through the phone number residents filled out when they got tested. The text will ask the recipient for an email address for MDH to send health information to following a positive test.
“We just ask that you respond to that text,” Winona County Public Health Supervisor Melanie Tatge said. “This is a new way on how they’re doing contact tracing and case investigation.”
Tatge says the texts will come from an 877-790-8031 number. She says those who don’t respond to the initial text will receive a follow-up text.
MDH says a high volume of COVID cases prohibits case investigators from calling each person who tests positive. Texting allows case investigators to quickly contact and share health information with people who have tested positive.
Minnesotans who test positive and use the COVIDAware app also have the option to enter a verification code to anonymously let others know they tested positive. That way other people who have the app on their phone will receive an alert to let them know they were exposed and can quarantine if needed.
If a person doesn’t receive a verification code with their positive test result, they can call 833- 431-2053 to request one.
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