Mayor Mueller provides updates on city's response to COVID-19
South Bend Mayor James Mueller held a press conference with other city officials to discuss the city's response to COVID-19. The city will be closing community centers and will suspend utility shutoffs.
As of March 16, the mayor says St. Joseph County still has just one COVID-19 case. There were 60 tests sent out and only one came back positive. There are 200 additional tests at the lab and they are awaiting results on those tests.
County health officials will likely provide an update on test results as well as further mitigation strategies on Tuesday.
If you are sick/symptomatic, health officials request you call either your health care provider or the county hotline.
If you do not have a health care provider, please call 211.
Several area providers have also set up hotlines for patients to call:
- Beacon Health hotline 855-523-2225
- South Bend Clinic 574-3076870
- St Joseph Health System 574 335 8650
The city will also suspend any water shut offs and late fees for at least the next 8 weeks. NIPSCO and AEP have also agreed to suspend shutoffs.
If you do want to pay your bill, the city will only accept payments in the drive through, the drop box or online.
Vital city services such as trash pickup, public safety and EMS will continue.
South Bend will be closing its community centers as of Tuesday, March 17 until further notice
Aaron Perri, the Executive Director of Venues Parks and Arts detailed the steps the city is taking regarding community centers and local parks.
The Morris and Century Center are closed until further notice. The city is closing all community centers including Rum Village, O'Brien, Howard Park, Charles Black Community Center and the Martin Luther King Center.
The parks will remain open so families can still enjoy outdoor activities. In order to facilitate this, the city will be disinfecting all 35 playgrounds daily.
In addition, the city will be posting a new video to its Facebook page every day at noon. The videos will include "behind the scenes" looks at local museums and ballparks, physical activities or arts and crafts to encourage healthy lifestyles.
The South Bend Fire Departments says they will continue to respond to all emergencies. However, you may see fewer personnel or apparatuses at certain calls while they attempt to limit the number of people potentially exposed. All decisions on the number of responders will be made at the time of dispatch and then adjusted as needed.
Emergency responders are following CDC guidelines and will be using protective gear on patients and on first responders as necessary.