Order of the Commissioner of Public Health Regarding the Sharing of Critical Information with First Responders

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) continues to work with state, federal and local partners on the outbreak of novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, and we continue to appreciate the essential role you have in responding to this evolving situation. 

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Commissioner signed the attached Order requiring local boards of health to disclose to the official with the responsibility for administering the response to emergency calls in their jurisdiction the addresses of any individuals living in their jurisdiction who the local board of health has been informed have tested positive for COVID-19. The disclosure of this information is limited to an individual’s address only. No other identifying information, including names, will be provided to emergency responders. Information disclosed as part of this Order is to be used for responding to emergency calls only.