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South Bend Mayor Fears Increase In COVID-19 Cases Will Hurt Economy More Than Restrictions

Justin Hicks / WVPE Public Radio

St. Joseph County and City of South Bend leaders gave an update to the local COVID-19 response during a virtual press conference Friday. Officials say there’s been a steady increase in cases.

Local health officials say St. Joseph County is continuing to see an increase in COVID-19 cases as restrictions are lifted.

South Bend Mayor James Mueller says the rise in cases is not only concerning from a health standpoint, but from a financial perspective too.

“Getting this virus under control and preventing future outbreaks is critical to get our economy going. If the health of your neighbors or your loved ones isn’t enough to take precautions and continue to take this threat seriously, your love for your city, your country, and getting our economy going is critical.”

Mueller says the economy will take a larger hit from the continued spread of COVID-19 than it will from implementing some tighter restrictions to prevent a further outbreak.

He says local health officials are talking about restricting the size of group gatherings more than what Governor Eric Holcomb allows.

Contact Annacaroline at acaruso@wvpe.org or follow her on Twitter at @AnnacarolineC16

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