Contact tracing is the process of identifying who has been exposed to people who have tested positive for a disease. Contact tracing is now being used in the fight against COVID-19. UW employees should be aware that scammers are posing as contact tracers in order to commit identity theft. You may receive a scam text message asking you for personal information, such as your social security number, bank account, or credit card number. A legitimate contact tracer will never ask you for money or personal information. Do not click on any links sent to you by someone claiming to be a contract tracer. Scams related to COVID-19 testing are also increasing. The Federal Trade Commission offers more information in English and Spanish at consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/05/covid-19-contact-tracing-text-message-scams.

The Division of Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement (DDEEA) at UW–Madison hosted a virtual event, “Committed to Change: A Call to Action,” on July 8, 2020, with more than 1,800 people attending. Speakers from business, education, government, health care, and the nonprofit sector participated in the conversation about racial inequity. A video recording of the event is available at go.wisc.edu/calltoaction. Those who wish to learn more can refer to DDEEA’s resource page.

The Well Wisconsin program, administered by StayWell, enables employees and their spouses who are enrolled in the State Group Health Insurance Program to earn a $150 incentive for completing certain activities designed to maintain or improve health. All required activities must be completed by October 9, 2020, in order to earn the incentive. Many on-site biometric screenings have been cancelled due to the pandemic. In response, new ways to meet the requirements have been added, including a preventative dental exam (for those enrolled in State Group Health with Uniform Dental) and a phone call with a health coach. In addition, at-home screening test kits can be requested from StayWell through September 25, 2020. Log in or set up an account on the StayWell website at wellwisconsin-staywell.com to get started, or contact StayWell toll-free at 1-800-821-6591.