As the growing tentacles of the impact of the pandemic continue to spread outward, Berrien County authorities are joining the long and growing list of closures to public use.
Based on the current spread of COVID-19 throughout the United States and the region, Berrien County has announced today that they will be closing public access to County buildings starting Monday, March 23, 2020.
Many county services will remain available via telephone, email, fax, and through the website, and some services may be available by making an appointment. The County is committed to serving its residents to the greatest extent possible, especially during times of crisis. Residents may access a detailed contact list for the various departments on the Berrien County website at this online link: http://www.berriencounty.org In addition, all departments have their own page within that website.
At this time, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Berrien County. The decision to limit public access to County buildings was made in consultation with the Berrien County Health Department and based on current recommendations for social distancing. It is important to practice social distancing by limiting in-person interaction in order to slow the transmission of COVID-19 in our region and ultimately, in order to save lives.
Berrien County encourages all residents to continue taking individual precautions to protect their own health, the health of their families, and the County as a whole, in particular those at highest risk of serious illness.
Berrien County has been preparing for COVID-19 for weeks, and all individuals should continue to take the following basic personal-hygiene measures to prevent the spread of the virus:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands;
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing;
- Avoid handshakes;
- Avoid contact with people who are sick; and stay home when you are sick.
Residents who have COVID-19 related questions are encouraged to call the Berrien County Health Department Response Hotline at 1-800-815-5485.
