(COLDWATER) – Procedures for investigating cases of COVID-19 have changed.

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency has announced that effective this week, procedures for case investigations of COVID-19 are going to be different. Widespread community transmission has placed tremendous strain on public health capacity locally and throughout Michigan, with more cases than there is capacity to handle. As a result of the large number of new positive cases, local health department staff may not contact every positive case.

CHA Health Officer Rebecca Burns says because of the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, there have been delays in the amount of time it takes to contact all persons who test positive for the virus and some residents haven’t received a call. There are also residents in quarantine who have been in close contact to someone who has COVID-19 who haven’t been contacted.

Residents in St. Joseph, Branch and Hillsdale Counties are requested to take personal action if they test positive or have a close contact to a positive case by not waiting for the CHA to call. Burns says if we all work together and follow the guidelines for COVID-19, we can bend the curve and reduce the number of cases and deaths in the three county area.

To maximize staffing resources and prevent outbreaks among vulnerable individuals, Burns says the CHA has started prioritizing case investigations to notify those who are 65 and older; individuals age 22 and younger, especially those attending school in person; and individuals residing in congregate living environments, such as long-term care facilities.

All other individuals who test positive will be contacted as capacity allows.

Resources to assist residents with COVID-19 questions and needs during isolation and quarantine can be found at the CHA web site. Click Here.

With the holiday season coming, the CHA strongly encourages residents to help reduce the risk of community transmission by social distancing, wearing masks, practicing hand hygiene, and gathering only with household members.