While there are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 anywhere in Berrien County, officials have partially activated the Berrien County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Benton Charter Township.
Authorities say that at 10:00 am this morning, March 18th, 2020 the EOC was partially activated in response to the current COVID-19 situation. Berrien County Undersheriff Charles Heit says, “Although there is not a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Berrien County at this time the EOC has been partially activated out of an abundance of caution to provide for the safety of the public.” He adds, “The Berrien County EOC has been activated to assist our health care officials while we continue to provide for the safety of the public during this health crisis. We are communicating the current situation to each of the stakeholders assigned to the EOC in order to be better prepared for future needs.”
On March 10, 2020 Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a State of Emergency based on the ongoing health concerns of COVID-19 and the confirmed cases in the Michigan. There are currently 65 confirmed cases in the State of Michigan and no reported deaths at this time.
An Emergency Operations Center is established to provide a single point of contact, coordination and avenue to share information to all 39 municipalities and first responder and public safety agencies and volunteer organizations in Berrien County.
A partial activation of the Berrien County EOC allows the staff members from the various positions to perform their functions remotely in accordance with Governor Whitmer’s and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ recommendations designed to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
