Berrien County is continuing to see low COVID-19 cases. During a July 7 press conference, county health officer Nicki Britten said that on average, they’re seeing less than three cases per day. About three percent of tests are coming back positive, and the county currently has nobody in the ICU with COVID-19.
Britten also said the county has not detected any cases of the highly contagious Delta variant yet, but that does not mean there are none in the area.
Deputy health officer Courtney Davis urged people to get vaccinated, as studies have shown being fully vaccinated provides good protection against the variant.
About 53 percent of the county has had at least one dose of a vaccine, and Davis said Michigan is currently running a vaccine lottery.
“If you are getting your first dose of vaccine any day in July, you are going to be entered on that day to a $50,000 drawing,” Davis said. "And that's pretty awesome."
There will also be special drawings for a $1 million prize halfway through the month and a $2 million dollar prize at the end of the month. People under 18 can win one of nine college scholarships. To register, go to mishottowin.com.
Britten is leaving the Berrien County Health Department on July 9 for a new job as director of population health at Spectrum Health Lakeland. Starting July 12, Davis will be stepping in as the acting health officer.
Contact Jakob at jlazzaro@wvpe.org or follow him on Twitter at @JakobLazzaro.
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