PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city released a statement confirming cases of COVID-19 in the Fenn Street  Post Office and noted that the release was dispersed because of a "lack of cooperation."

 

The City of Pittsfield Health Department released a press release Friday afternoon stating that the city’s Contact Tracing Team and Health Department have been notified of four lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in employees of the United States Postal Office with exposure dates of Sept. 28 to the present.

 

According to the press release:

 

"We understand that this may create unease in our community. Please know that we have been working closely with the Massachusetts Department of Health, and the Health Department and contact tracing team will continue to seek cooperation from the post office, as it is our duty in preventing the spread of COVID-19. This notice is to make the public aware to use all the CDC recommended guidelines when visiting the post office and interacting with the employees."

 

The release stated that the health department had made attempts to work with the Post Office, located on 212 Fenn St., to identify those who have had close contact with the cases however because of poor cooperation, the city decided to send out a press release instead.

 

"We have been unsuccessful due to the lack of cooperation and information from the United States Postal Office. Due to this lack of cooperation, the Health Department believes it is necessary to notify the public."

 

The release went on to say the risk of exposure from individuals present at the post office on these dates are no greater than the risk of contracting the virus in the general community, but the city wanted to inform the public of this lack of cooperation.

 

"However, it is important to be aware that the USPS location 212 Fenn St. is not providing requested information to the city’s contact tracing team. The lack of cooperation and information poses a risk to the community. Collaboration between workplaces and the city’s contact tracing team is crucial in slowing transmission."

 

For more information or questions, please contact the Pittsfield Health Department at 413-499-9411.