Actions

Kent County reports 4th presumptive coronavirus case and limits occupancy at some businesses

New restrictions in Kent County amid coronavirus pandemic
Posted
and last updated

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Kent County Health Department provided a coronavirus update tonight with a group of community partners.

The county confirmed its fourth presumptive positive case for the coronavirus at the news conference.

The person is a male in his 20s with no travel history.

"He’s doing well and is isolated at home," said Dr. Adam London, the administrative health officer at the Kent County Health Department.

The county has now submitted 77 tests and received 21 negative results, with a number of pending cases.

The Kent County Health Department also issued an emergency public health order requiring food service establishments, entertainment venues and fitness centers to reduce their occupancy loads by 50%. Dr. London stressed that the order for reduced occupancy loads doesn't include grocery stores.

The order takes effect March 16 at noon and runs through April 5.

Dr. London was joined by a group of municipal, law enforcement, and business representatives to present the emergency order, including representatives from the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The Grand Rapids Chamber appreciated being part of the decision-making process so businesses could prepare, said Rick Baker, chamber president and CEO. "It was not a decision that was taken lightly," Baker said.

The West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce invites businesses to tap into its translation capabilities to communicate with diverse communities during this time, said Guillermo Cisneros, executive director.

There are over 85 languages spoken in West Michigan, he said.

Watch the full news conference