FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 9, 2020
Semi-Weekly Media Update
From the Calhoun County Public Health Department
As of Thursday, April 9, at 10:30 a.m., Calhoun County has a cumulative total of 57 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported to the Calhoun County Public Health Department (CCPHD).

The Laurels of Bedford in Battle Creek

The Calhoun County Public Health Department (CCPHD) and The Laurels of Bedford in Battle Creek, Michigan, operated by Laurel Health Care Company, are experiencing several positive COVID-19 reported cases. 

As of 9:30am today, April 9, there were a total of seven laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 involving four residents and three staff members. The impacted residents are receiving supportive treatment in an isolated section of the facility or have been transported to the hospital. The affected staff member is currently off-site and will not be returning to work until cleared to do so, consistent with guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Laurels has informed family members of the confirmed cases and is working closely with the CCPHD to provide support regarding case investigation, infection prevention, healthcare worker safety assessments, and personal protective equipment needs. Residents and staff members are monitored and screened daily for symptoms.
Information about COVID-19 is constantly changing, and the public health response adjusts as more is learned about this virus. If you have questions specific to The Laurels of Bedford, please call 269-968-2296 or visit www.laurelsofbedford.com. 

We continue to remind Calhoun County residents to continue practicing social distancing, protective measures, abide by the Stay Home, Stay Safe Order, and view the latest trustworthy COVID-19 information. For general COVID-19 questions or concerns, you can call the state’s specialized hotline at 1-888-535-6136 or e-mail questions to COVID19@michigan.gov. Both the state hotline and e-mail are staffed 7 days a week 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For information about CCPHD specific services, please call 269-969-6990. 
Family and Holiday Celebrations

Michigan now holds one of the highest number of COVID-19 cases. We know COVID-19 is present in Calhoun County and that there is community spread. Recognizing that the Easter season is a popular time for family traditions and gatherings, and an important to connect with each other and celebrate tradition, it is also critically important to remember that COVID-19 can spread even before there are symptoms of illness. 

CCPHD strongly encourages that we as a community continue taking steps to avoid any gatherings that include family and friends, or other people who do not live with you. These events include gathering for special services, Easter egg hunts, parades, boat rides, sporting events, and other gatherings. By doing this, we protect ourselves, our loved ones, and those around us (co-workers, friends, neighbors). 

Connect with loved ones remotely. Set up an internet connection and plan to be online together as you eat your dinner or celebrate the holiday in your own home. Start a contest over the most creative ideas to connect remotely, like the ideas below. 

“Please remember, it is up to each of us to do our part in this fight against a new virus,” states Eric Pessell, Health Officer for CCPHD. “This year, show you care by avoiding any gathering of people who do not live in your home. Enjoy remote visits to loved ones in hospitals and residential care facilities. If your loved one needs help, ask their caregivers to assist you to set up a meeting ahead of time.”

Ideas for Safe Celebrations
  • Hold a Quarantine Easter Egg Hunt, an event where households, businesses, and organizations are invited to “hunt” for Easter eggs while practicing social distancing. People can participate by decorating eggs as simple or elaborate as they would like and placing them in windows. Then, families can go for walks in their neighborhoods and tally how many eggs they see along the way
  • Hold an indoor Easter egg hunt
  • Have family members use chalk to decorate their driveways or paint their windows
  • Watch a worship service on television or via livestream. Many locations in our community are offering these remote gatherings
  • Watch a spring or Easter-themed movie 
  • Make a donation to a charity important to your family 
  • Prepare a nice meal together, sit down as a family, and share what you are grateful for  
  • Do some arts and crafts 
  • Read books about spring or Easter together
  • Surprise another family with an Easter egg hunt by hiding eggs in their yard 
  • Create a music playlist and share with extended family and friends
  • Send cards to family and friends 
  • Host a virtual fashion show
  • Call a relative, friend, or neighbor you haven’t talked to in a long time and see how they are doing

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For updates from Calhoun County, about County operations and COVID-19 counts in Calhoun County, visit the County website,  calhouncountymi.gov . Case counts will be updated twice daily.
 
For updates from the City of Battle Creek, please visit  battlecreekmi.gov/coronavirus .
 
The State’s COVID-19 Hotline is available for anyone who has questions or concerns related to the virus. The hotline is open seven days a week from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 1-888-535-6136. For state COVID-19 information, visit  michigan.gov/coronavirus
For information, contact
Lucy Blair, Calhoun County Communications Manager
269-781-0926,  lblair@calhouncountymi.gov

Jessica Vanderkolk, City of Battle Creek Communications Manager