Messaging, in Four Languages, Urges Residents with Symptoms to call 855-843-7620

Pawtucket/Central Falls – Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien and Central Falls Mayor James A. Diossa announced that the police departments in both cities will drive through neighborhoods urging residents with symptoms of covid-19 to call 855-843-7620. The messaging, on behalf of the BEAT COVID-19 initiative, is part of an all-hands-on-deck approach to get coronavirus-related messaging to the hard to reach communities in both cities.

The police vehicles will be going throughout the neighborhoods in four different languages; English, Spanish, Cape Verdean Creole, and Portuguese.

“These are challenging times for our residents, and the Pawtucket Police Department is here to support our community in any way possible,” said Pawtucket Public Safety Director, Police Chief Tina Goncalves. “We are pleased to continue working alongside the BEAT COVID-19 initiative to help educate our residents in multiple languages in order to keep them feeling secure and safe.”

“For years, the Central Falls Police Department has closely integrated itself with the community throughout Community Policing efforts,” said Central Falls Colonel Daniel Barzykowski. “We will always answer the call to do our part in protecting and serving our diverse community. The Department is proud to operate outside of the box in an effort by multiple organizations in two communities to minimize the community spread of the coronavirus.”

The BEAT COVID-19 initiative is a one-of-a-kind grassroots system to give people with symptoms in both communities – who otherwise might not feel comfortable getting tested or have access to a primary care doctor – access to testing, educational support on how to safely isolate, and resources to overcome hardships associated with the coronavirus pandemic.

Pawtucket Message
Hi, this is an important message from Mayor Don Grebien. Residents experiencing symptoms or in need of covid-19 related assistance can call the BEAT COVID-19 line at 855-843-7620 Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. Again, that is 855-843-7620. Thank you.

Central Falls Message
Attention residents of Central Falls. This is Mayor Diossa. Residents experiencing symptoms or in need of COVID-19 related assistance should call the BEAT COVID-19 hotline at 855-843-7620.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 11, 2020
Contact: Wil Arboleda
401-728-0500 ext. 358