November 30, 2020 – The Health Department is urging you to answer your phone when a contract tracer is attempting to reach you.
In an effort to help slow the spread of COVID-19, the Macon County Health Department is continuing to conduct thorough case investigations regarding positive cases of COVID-19. While the MCHD is currently operating from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays, case investigation and contact tracing calls are being conducted outside of these hours due to the high volume of positive cases and close contacts.
Phone calls may be made as late as 8:30 p.m. by MCHD staff. Since most people have a tendency to not answer unknown calls, the Health Department is offering a guide to know when a contact tracer may be calling.
MCHD contact tracers will identify themselves and will call using many different lines and methods.
One of those numbers is 312-777-1999. The Caller ID for this number will read IL COVID HELP.
Another number, 217-423-6988, is the main number for the Macon County Health Department.
Staff may also call with a 217 number using Microsoft Teams or occasionally from a private or blocked due to using a personal number.
The Macon County Health Department says if you feel uncomfortable or unsure you are speaking to a member of it’s staff, to contact them at , 217-423-6988 or by emailing livewell@maconchd.org.
The Macon County Health Department reminds you that if you know you have been exposed to COVID-19, do not wait for a contact tracer to call before starting your isolation or quarantine.
