Branch County sees large increase in COVID-19 cases

Here’s the latest COVID-19 update from the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency.

The agency said Branch County is seeing the largest increase, with 76 new cases during the one-week period ending July 26. Meanwhile, Hillsdale County had 17 new cases and St. Joseph County had 13 new cases.

As a result of its increase, Branch County has been labeled “high risk” for community transmission, the strongest risk factor category used by the CDC.  Hillsdale County is currently listed as “substantial risk,” while St. Joseph County maintains the category of “moderate risk.”

The rapidly increasing case counts is a call to action for all tri-county residents to prevent further spread, said Rebecca Burns, health officer.