Contact Tracer, Part Three: Epidemics and Infodemics

Submitted by CCCL_MichelleK

I know there is a lot of misinformation out there about contact tracing, so another reason I wanted to share this information is so people will know what we do, and what we DON’T do. We don’t visit your house  or require people give any information that makes them uncomfortable. We mostly want to make sure everyone gets the County Health Department’s science-based recommendations to protect themselves, their family and community.  

Some contacts were concerned I was a scam caller. I thanked them for sharing that concern and took the opportunity to provide tips to avoid scams. Contact tracers do not collect social security numbersany financial information or credit card/bank account numbers. We do not ask for information like your mother’s maiden name. With COVID, the Census, and an upcoming election, we DO need to be concerned about possible scammers, so please don’t provide this kind of information to anyone who calls or texts, claiming to work for these or other important efforts. 

I’m honored to serve as an information professional doing the work of a contact tracer, because I know that this is important community education work right now. These days, it’s easy to forget that We, the people are the government and most people who work in government do so to help their communities thrive. Let’s all work together to make sure we have the government we want.  

Please share this information about contact tracing with your friends, family, and community. If you haven’t done so, please complete the 2020 Census, and please – vote in November. You can register and request a vote-by-mail ballot from our Department of Elections. 

Be well. Stay safe. Wear a mask. Wash your hands. I hope to see you soon. 

Your Librarian, 

Michelle Krasowski 

Pinole Library/Hercules Library