County Health Officer Talks Recent COVID Trends

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The Berrien County Health Department has been noting increased COVID-19 activity over the past several weeks. It says since the beginning of July, the county has seen an increase in new cases, as well as an increase in the percent of COVID-19 test results that are positive, indicating that the recent uptick in cases is likely not just do to more testing. Speaking Monday, Berrien County Health Officer Nicki Britten says the cases are trending younger.

“The average age of our cases through May 31 was 54,” Britten said. “In the month of June, the average age was 41, and so far for the month of July, the average age is about 40.”

Some good news is that hospitalizations remain low. Britten also said as more is learned about COVID transmission, the health department is working with local schools to plan for the fall.

“Generally, from a public health standpoint, what we think about with schools and how we typically think about it with influenza is that children as the hub of transmission. So are children mixing together going to be that hub for transmission, bringing it home to others?”

Britten said continued caution, like using masks and social distancing, is essential. The Berrien County Health Department says since the Fourth of July, it has seen clusters of COVID-19 illness linked back to large gatherings, family celebrations, church events, and other events where social distancing wasn’t maintained.