Joint Information Center
Friday, April 22, 2022
As of 8 a.m. on Friday, April 22, 2022, Calhoun County has a cumulative total of 28,878 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported to Calhoun County Public Health Department (CCPHD), with a total of 540 deaths attributed to the virus. Within the last 24 hours, 24 new confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported, and there are three people in Calhoun County hospitals for COVID-19.

The Calhoun County Public Health Department is reminding Michiganders to participate in best practices to reduce risks of COVID-19 and prevent spread as we return from spring break and prepare for spring gatherings including proms, graduations, and other holidays. The CCPHD urges neighbors to make sure they are up-to-date on vaccines.

What are some of the symptoms of the BA.2 subvariant of COVID-19?
The symptoms for BA.2 are similar to those seen in many COVID infections, including:
  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose

A few notes about the BA.2 subvariant,
  • We do not expect a sharp spike in cases like we did this winter. However, we are predicting a slower rise and fall, with a peak (perhaps double our current case) rate in early May.
  • Hospitalizations and deaths are not expected to rise significantly, given levels of vaccination/boosters and immunity from the recent omicron infections.
  • We do not plan to move into the Readiness or Response phase of the pandemic cycle given the current predictions but will follow the situation closely.
Michiganders are encouraged to be aware of the increased transmission as they go about their daily lives and make personal decisions on masking and other strategies to protect themselves from COVID-19.

“Face masks remain an option for those who want that extra level of protection, especially for those who are under the age of 5 or are immunocompromised,” said Calhoun County Public Health Department’s Health Officer Eric Pessell. “KN95 masks are available for free throughout Calhoun County, and they provide excellent protection up to 95% filtration. If Calhoun cases do spike and we enter high transmission levels, you will want to be equipped with a quality mask to protect yourself and the people you are surrounded by,” said Pessell.

According to a court order, as of April 18, face masks are now optional on public transportation, including buses and airplanes. Following this order, face masks are now optional on Battle Creek Transit vehicles. However, Transit will continue to provide masks to anyone who wishes to wear one. Masks also will be optional for Transit drivers.

While the CDC will follow the court order, they continue to recommend that everyone where face masks on public transportation at this time. The BC Transit team asks riders to respect everyone’s individual choices about masks, and practice kindness.
We can all practice healthy habits during this phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some tips to keep in mind,
  • Get vaccinated against COVID-19. Michiganders should get up to date on their COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more about vaccines and when you're up to date at https://https://Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine.
  • Isolate and quarantine if needed. Staying away from others when you are sick or were recently exposed to COVID-19 are important tools to preventing further spread of the virus. Learn more about what happens when you have or are exposed to COVID-19
  • Get tested if you are exposed or have symptoms. Anyone with signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested regardless of vaccination status or prior infection. If you get tested because you have symptoms or were potentially exposed to the virus, you should stay away from others while you wait for the test result. Find a test site at https://Michigan.gov/COVIDTest.
  • Take additional steps to protect yourself and others. Protect yourself from COVID-19 by understanding levels of risk, practicing good hygiene and hand washing, staying home when sick and staying up to date with vaccinations. Know your risk; know that others may have a risk different from yours. Respect the choice. For additional guidance on mitigation strategies see How to Protect Yourself and Others. 
  • Get a free mask. Free KN95 masks are being distributed by community organizations, View the list of organizations here.
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For updates from Calhoun County, about County operations and COVID-19 in Calhoun County, visit the County website, calhouncountymi.gov.

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

Victor Jovanovich, Public Health Department Communications Specialist

Jessica Vanderkolk, City of Battle Creek Communications Manager