The Berrien County Health Department is urging everyone to be understanding as schools close and other events are cancelled in response to the spread of COVID-19. Spokesperson Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News it’s important for all to do what they can to ensure the illness is not spread.
“It is really important that we’re all doing our part to protect the members of our community who are most at risk for serious illness, especially those who are over the age of 60 or have underlying chronic conditions,” Conrad said.
Those are the people most at risk for coronavirus. Conrad says if you’re feeling ill, stay at home, wash your hands regularly, and don’t shake hands. The reason why large events are prohibited by the state is that gatherings where a large number of people are packed in close together are a concern. Conrad says the coronavirus situation is likely to continue for many weeks or even months.
“We’re in the very early days of COVID-19 in the United States, especially here in our state, and we are going to have to continue to have to make some accommodations, some changes in our daily lives, disruption to daily activities, and we will just have to continue to address this as a community.”
The health department is also clarifying that the governor’s order to close K-12 schools does not apply to pre-schools, daycares, or Head Start programs. It urges those programs to be in contact with it as they consider closing. Conrad says the Berrien County Health Department has set up a hotline to answer questions about COVID-19. It’s 1-800-815-5485 .
