Joint Information Center
Wednesday, January 5, 2022
As of 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022, Calhoun County has a cumulative total of 22,030 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported to Calhoun County Public Health Department (CCPHD), with a total of 453 deaths attributed to the virus. Within the last 24 hours, 134 new confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported.

Have you seen the Calhoun County Public Health Department's new data dashboard? This information and much more can be found on our website at calhouncountymi.gov/coviddata.


Omicron Variant Identified In Calhoun
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) notified the Calhoun County Public Health Department that the Omicron variant has been identified in four Calhoun County residents.

“The confirmed presence of the Omicron variant in Calhoun County aligns with estimates that it has become the predominant COVID-19 variant in our region. We must vaccinate, boost, mask, and also test frequently,” said Dr. William Nettleton, Medical Director of CCPHD.

The Omicron variant is considered more transmissible than the original COVID-19 virus. The following prevention strategies help reduce transmission of the COVID-19 virus, prevent severe disease, and can help limit variants:
  • Vaccination (5 years and older) and booster doses for those eligible
  • Testing for COVID-19 if you have symptoms, 5 days after being exposed to someone with COVID-19, and before gatherings
  • Mask wearing in public indoor spaces
  • Social distancing from others
  • Staying home if you are sick or have symptoms
  • Isolation if you test positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms, and notification to your close contacts if you test positive
  • Quarantine if you were exposed to someone who tests positive for COVID-19
  • Follow recommendations for traveling: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

COVID-19 rapid antigen testing and PCR testing are available to individuals of any age, regardless of symptoms. Find testing here.

Calhoun County Health Officer Eric Pessell said, "With Omicron here, the next 3-4 weeks are going to be difficult. We are going to see cases rise higher than ever before and disruptions to our lives will be obvious. But like we've gotten through the pandemic so far, we will get through this together as a community. Take the necessary steps to mitigate spread so we can get through this together."


Quarantine & Isolation Update
The Calhoun County Public Health Department has updated general population quarantine & isolation guidance to align with the new guidance from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also supports the new CDC guidance.

Please see the quarantine & isolation recommendation graphic below for a comprehensive breakdown for each scenario.
Mask Wearing Remains Critical
On Dec. 30, the MDHHS and the Michigan Department of Education sent a joint letter to school superintendents urging them to take certain measures before children return to schools to alleviate the risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. This list contained good advice for all residents and reminders about why these public health protocols are important. 


Indoor masking regardless of vaccination status is recommended as an important step to mitigating spread of the virus. Research shows that masks reduce the chance of spreading COVID-19, which is important as approximately 40% of people with COVID-19 can be asymptomatic. 

The Public Health Department is seeing breakthrough infections among those previously vaccinated, making booster doses very important. A layered approach to mitigating spread of the virus is the best way to reduce the impact of the Omicron variant on our healthcare system. Please get boosted, wear a mask, get tested if you feel sick, and wash your hands often.


Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey
The Calhoun County Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) is being conducted right now! CCPHD is looking for your input. Community member participation is important, as it helps us learn about health behaviors of Calhoun County residents, which contributes to planning and evaluation of health programs.

You could receive a phone call from the following numbers: 269-256-9002, 269-256-9219, 269-787-0021, and 269-787-0118.

If you have any questions or concerns about participating in the BRFSS survey, you may contact the BRFSS coordinator via publichealth@calhouncountymi.gov or 269-969-6990.
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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