St. Joseph County and South Bend officials addressed the increase in COVID-19 cases during a virtual press conference Friday.
St. Joseph County is surrounded by some emerging coronavirus hotspots - like Elkhart and LaPorte counties that are struggling to control a surge in COVID-19 cases.
St. Joe has also seen an increase in cases since restrictions have eased, but not to the level of some of those neighboring counties.
St. Joseph County Commissioner Andy Kostielney says some of that success may be due to the face mask order and actions taken early on in the pandemic by local officials.
“I think it’s a testament to the swift, decisive measures we’ve taken here in St. Joseph County that you’re not seeing spikes like we are in LaPorte County and especially Elkhart County.”
Officials say they are continuing to be vigilant in St. Joe county to prevent a surge in the future by making sure businesses are following COVID-19 guidelines.
Officials say the County Health Department has followed up on more than 100 complaints about businesses not following rules. They say most business owners have been cooperative in making any changes to better protect workers.
Contact Annacaroline at acaruso@wvpe.org or follow her on Twitter at @AnnacarolineC16
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