Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

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.

Updated COVID-19 Case Counts

Last Updated: 4-4-20 at 3PM

The Berrien County Health Department will update its website, social media channels, and hotline daily with updated case counts for Berrien County. Check back daily in the afternoons for updated case counts.

For more Spectrum Health Lakeland hospitalization data, please see https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/covid19.

Until recently, only the state lab was able to process tests for COVID-19. Now, there are private, university, and hospital labs that are also able to process these tests. Due to so many labs now processing COVID-19 tests, it is difficult to know the exact number of how many tests are being submitted and processed daily. We will only be reporting on the number of positive cases and the number of deaths in Berrien County. 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 2020-21: 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

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