State Rep. Brad Paquette has issued a statement regarding this week’s announcement of the first confirmed cases of COVID-19 in both Berrien and Cass counties.
Paquette, of Niles, said his heart goes out to the individuals and their families impacted by the diagnoses. The area’s first reported cases are a concern, but not a shock, he added.
That being said, Paquette continued, local health-care officials and hospital staff are prepared, and working diligently to contain the virus and protect Southwest Michigan families.
Paquette called for residents to use preventive measures such as frequent hand-washing, cleaning frequently-touched surfaces, and heeding the governor’s order to stay home.
He also urged residents to gather information from reliable and timely sources.