Mass. residents receive COVID-19 text from state
FALL RIVER, M.A. (WLNE) — Thousands of Massachusetts residents received a text message Monday night, reminding them that the pandemic isn’t over and to stay vigilant.
The messages were sent by the state to residents in ‘high-risk’ communities. It’s part of a broader campaign by the state to make sure residents don’t get careless.
The texts offered general reminders, like wear a mask, wash your hands, and keep your social distance.
While most received the reminder well, some tell ABC 6 that the initial alert was loud and alarming, like an Amber Alert or Severe Weather Alert.
“I knew it was not a regular text so I ran over to look at it an I was surprised that it was for COVID,” said Brendan Monahan of Worcester.
“Anything you can do to get the word out about being careful is a good thing,” Monahan continued, “it just took me by surprise.”
Many people in Fall River received the text messages, as New Bedford was a targeted area for the alerts, and phones nearby received the alerts.
Fall River mayor, Paul Coogan, will be hosting a 3pm press conference Tuesday afternoon, where he plans to discuss his city’s rising case numbers.
(c) WLNE-TV // ABC 6 2020
