Berrien County activates emergency operations center for COVID-19

Berrien County has activated its emergency operation center to coordinate any COVID-19 response even though the county has no confirmed cases of the virus.

The county has not implemented travel restrictions, but traffic is already down as are the calls for service. Overall crime is down as well.

"We are obviously asking people not to travel if it's not necessary. There not been an order in place yet and in Michigan that would come more from the Governor," said Chuck Heit, Berrien County Undersheriff. "We are encouraging people to do that now in hopes that it's not needed."

The county activated its emergency operations center this week to help coordinate the different agencies that would need to respond during the pandemic.

The county has closed the sheriff's records offices in St. Joseph and Niles. Only video visitation is allowed for inmates at the jail.

Deputies are continuing to patrol the county to keep the community safe.

More information about Berrien County's response to COVID-19.