Public health professionals, especially local health departments and boards of health, are facing many questions from local public officials, residents, parents, health care providers and others about COVID–19. These series of documents are meant to provide answers and guidance to health departments and boards of health. These documents are provided for educational purposes only and are not to be construed as legal advice. For legal advice, please contact your city or town attorney.
QUESTION: Can local boards of health and health departments provide information about the physical location of quarantined individuals to police departments, fire departments and other first responders?
ANSWER: Yes. COVID–19 is an infectious respiratory disease; and as such, individuals displaying symptoms of the disease, or those who have been in contact with the individuals displaying these symptoms are asked to contact their local board of health and health care provider, and voluntarily quarantine themselves. In addition, those that are actively sick with the disease should voluntarily isolate themselves either at home or in a hospital depending on the severity of the illness and notify the local board of health.
