BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. — The Berrien County Health Department (BCHD) announced today that they will continue to take preventative action to limit the spread of COVID-19, despite the recent Michigan Supreme Court ruling.
In a statement regarding the Michigan Supreme Court's ruling determining that Governor Gretchen Whitmer could not issue executive orders under emergency declarations after April 30, 2020, BCHD said they will continue to take preventative measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.
BCHD said that until there is a vaccine and effective treatment to prevent future spread, the department will continue to promote prevention strategies that will lessen COVID-19's impact on the community.
“In the interest of the public’s health, we encourage the continuation of mitigation measures have been in place throughout the COVID-19 pandemic; we know that it is because of the vigilant actions our residents have taken that we are in a favorable position with a controlled spread of COVID-19 in Berrien County," said BCHD Health Officer Nicki Britten in the statement.
In the statement, BCHD urged residents to continue to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by:
· Wearing a mask when indoors and outdoors when you are unable to keep a 6ft distance from others
· Practicing social distancing by keeping 6 feet or more between you and others
· Washing or sanitizing your hands frequently
· Staying home if you are ill or have COVID-19, or other respiratory illness symptoms
· People who are at highest risk of the virus should avoid large gatherings
“We are working hard to keep our students in school, keep our businesses and government open, and make progress in our economic recovery,” Britten said in the statement. “The last thing we want to see is our success unravel, schools close for in-person learning, and see cases and deaths increase.”
To read the full statement and learn more information about these preventative, BCHD encouraged residents tovisit their website.