The Berrien County Health Department continues to work collaboratively with other local, state, and national partners to closely monitor the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation across the globe and here at home. This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation and BCHD will provide updated information as it becomes available, in addition to updated guidance. BCHD is also working closely with local healthcare providers, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to respond to COVID-19 in Berrien County.

Click here for Updated COVID-19 Case Counts

Find more information about COVID-19 cases in the entire State of Michigan and the State of Indiana.

Based on the increase of COVID-19 cases across the region, residents can assume that there is a possibility the virus may be present when they are in public places in the community. Everyone should be taking all recommended prevention measures by practicing social distancing and heeding Executive Orders that are in place. Our collective goal remains to slow the spread of cases as much as possible.

If you are feeling sick, you are encouraged to stay home. Contact your healthcare provider by phone for guidance or call the Spectrum Health virtual screening phone line at 616.391.2380 to see if testing is necessary. This will help prevent additional spread of illness and save critical healthcare resources for those at highest risk and those who may need supportive care.

Keep following these basic prevention steps to prevent the spread of the virus:

• wash your hands often with soap and water;
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands;
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing;
• avoid handshakes;
• keep at least six feet apart from others when in public;
• avoid contact with sick people who are sick; and
• stay home when you are sick.

What you need to know

Berrien County COVID-19 Press Releases

Governor Whitmer’s Executive Orders Related to COVID-19

Executive Order Stay Home, Stay Safe: Guidance for Businesses

Stay at Home, Stay Safe Executive Order Info Sheet

Department of Homeland Security: Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce 

Michigan Attorney General: Know Your Employment Rights

Berrien County Sheriff Executive Order Tip Form

COVID-19 BASICS

INFORMATION & GUIDANCE FOR SPECIFIC AUDIENCES

Business/Employer Resources:

• Staff Screening Checklist
• Letter for Employers - When Its OK to Have Staff Return to Work after Illness
• MDHHS Flowchart for When is it Safe to Leave Home?
• CDC Guidance on Disinfecting/Cleaning Your Facility When Someone Is Sick
  
  

Links & Resources

Berrien County Health Department Handouts/Resources:
Infographic (PDF): How to Be Prepared for COVID-19
Factsheet (PDF): High-Risk Groups (Older Adults & Chronic Conditions)
Factsheet (PDF): Long-Term Care/Senior Living Facilities
Factsheet (PDF): Flattening the Curve: Mitigation Strategies for Communities
Factsheet (PDF): Social Distancing, Self-Monitoring, Quarantine, Isolation 

CDC Resources:
PDF Document: CDC Considerations for School Closures (Decision Making Tree)
PDF Document: CDC Mitigation Strategies for Communities
Infographic (PDF): Share Facts About COVID-19
Poster (PDF): Stop the Spread of Germs
Weblink: CDC Communication Resources & Print Materials

Website Resources:
Weblink: The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
Weblink: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Weblink: FEMA - Emergency Preparedness
Weblink: National Association of School Nurses - COVID-19 Resources
Weblink: EPA Recommended Cleaning and Disinfection for COVID-19