Joint Information Center
Thursday, Sept. 24
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As of Noon on Thursday, Sept. 24, Calhoun County has a cumulative total of 1,148 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported to Calhoun County Public Health Department (CCPHD), with a total of 44 deaths attributed to the virus. This information is updated once daily, Monday through Friday, at www.calhouncountymi.gov.
From the dates of Sept 8-14, the 7-day average test positivity rate was 3.0%. In the past week, Sept 15-21, the 7-day average test positivity rate was 2.8%. CCPHD continues to investigate outbreaks associated with various workplace exposures and family gatherings, specifically weddings. A COVID-19 outbreak is defined as two or more cases with a link by place and time indicating a shared exposure outside of a household. Over the course of the last two weeks, roughly 15 percent of new cases in Calhoun County have been associated with outbreaks originating in our county.
"We know that it is difficult to keep distance from family and friends who do not live with you," said Kelli Scott, Calhoun County Administrator/Controller and member of the Joint Operations Center Unified Command Team, "but avoiding indoor, family gatherings is critical to stop the spread of COVID-19."
Family gatherings in Calhoun County have resulted in increased numbers of positive cases, so please remember this gathering guidance, especially with the fall and winter holidays around the corner.
With information from the State of Michigan current executive orders, and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we have created a graphic and video for you to view and share. Please also check out the CDC document about how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 when you live with extended family, in English, Burmese, and Spanish.
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Reminder About State Resources
Testing Opportunities Lookup
Testing for COVID-19 is available countywide, in each city, sometimes requiring a doctor's order or an appointment. To find testing near you and a list of requirements for that site, the best place is search is on the state's test site lookup. By visiting michigan.gov/COVID19, one of the first links provided says "Find a Test Site." For each test site option, this resource lists its location, whether an appointment is required, its cost and test requirement, and guidelines to follow before going.
MI Safe Start Map and Dashboard
A regularly-referenced tool that the state provides for understanding COVID-19 exposure in our community has changed. The MI Safe Start site map looks different in color coding but provides the same crucial information about epidemic spread and public health capacity. We recommend this site to find the percent positivity rate in our county and statewide, as well as seeing how daily cases/million and daily tests administered. This dashboard can be found at mistartmap.info, and provides filters to narrow the results to just our region or our county.
The state reports that the color scheme and names for risk levels were changed to reduce confusion with the state's Economic Recovery Phases. The state also adjusted to a higher threshold for cases to match thresholds measured by national systems.
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Battle Creek Homeless Shelter Update
The new Battle Creek homeless shelter is officially open, at 209 E. Michigan Ave., in Battle Creek. The SHARE Center will provide day shelter services, and Haven of Rest Ministries will provide overnight shelter services.
The SHARE Center still will serve carry-out meals at the 120 Grove St. location, and they will deliver meals to the shelter.
The City of Battle Creek, Battle Creek Community Foundation, United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region, and others are working together to make this transition happen. Thank you to everyone!
Virtual Meetings Continue in October
As allowed by the state executive orders, public meetings for Calhoun County municipalities will continue to be virtual through the month of October. Watch Facebook, YouTube, and AccessVision for live streams of those meetings, depending on the municipality. For more information, call your municipal government.
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For updates from Calhoun County, about County operations and COVID-19 in Calhoun County, visit the County website, calhouncountymi.gov.
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.
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For information, contact
Lucy Blair, Calhoun County Communications Manager
Jessica Vanderkolk, City of Battle Creek Communications Manager
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