Joint Information Center
Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021
As of 9:30 a.m on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021, Calhoun County has a cumulative total of 7,887 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported to Calhoun County Public Health Department (CCPHD), with a total of 206 deaths attributed to the virus. This information is updated once daily, Monday through Friday, at www.calhouncountymi.gov.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Vaccine distribution is still on going at the Public Health Department. In Calhoun County, total shots administered are, 4,528 first dose and 324 second dose shots. Last week, between Jan. 24-30, the Public Health Department administered 1,872 shots. This week we began second dose clinics so our overall second dose recorded number will start to increase in our next report. This information can be found at calhouncountymi.gov/covidvaccine and is updated once a week.

The CCPHD is already looking at a very busy February with 14 mass vaccination clinics for seniors 65+ scheduled, and an additional seven clinics serving Phase 1B Group A for second doses. Vaccination of teachers begins in February. Over the course of the month, approximately 2,086 school staff will be vaccinated. Nine first-dose clinics have been scheduled with Calhoun County schools. This includes staff at all of our private and public schools.

Any paid or unpaid person serving in the health care system that meets criteria for Phase 1A who has not received the COVID-19 vaccine please contact the CCPHD at 269-969-6990.
For individuals 65+ who want to receive the vaccine, currently our waitlist exceeds 7,146 people and 400 people continue to be added a day. As soon as additional mass vaccination clinics are scheduled when supply is identified, staff is calling people from this waitlist to schedule appointments.

Recently, the State reported that CCPHD will start to receive Pfizer and Moderna vaccines with an allotment of 600 doses of both, weekly. Partnering with Oaklawn Hospital, which has provided Moderna vaccinations already, additional vaccination opportunities will be specifically offered to those on the Calhoun Count 65+ waitlist. CCPHD and its partners will manage calling and scheduling individuals, while Oaklawn staff will vaccinate the public during the clinic. This will ensure the single waitlist CCPHD is using to vaccinate seniors is reduced as quickly as possible.
Keep up with Calhoun County vaccine efforts at
Information Regarding New Variant
A variant of COVID-19 called B.1.1.7 was detected in Wayne and Washtenaw Counties, which potentially spreads faster than other variants of the virus. MDHHS advises that COVID-19 testing is critical for mitigating the spread of this variant.

This variant was first detected on Dec. 14, 2020 in the United Kingdom. Because the variant spreads more easily, it could increase the number of people who need to be hospitalized or who lose their lives to COVID-19 should the new variant begin circulating widely in Michigan. It is possible that there are more B.1.1.7 cases in Michigan that have not been identified.

Faster spread of COVID-19 illness is a serious concern because the number of people sickened increases so more may become seriously ill or die. Prevent transmission whenever possible. Residents are strongly encouraged to use all effective prevention strategies and test as soon as symptoms appear. Symptoms include, fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headaches, loss of taste, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.

These prevention strategies, which are consistent with recommendations throughout the pandemic, will help slow the spread of COVID-19:

  • Wear a face mask around others
  • Keep at least 6 feet apart from others
  • Clean hands frequently
  • Avoid crowded areas or gatherings
  • Ventilate indoor spaces if around others
  • Seek testing if ill, exposed, or after travel
  • Follow isolation or quarantine guidance if ill, exposed, or waiting on test results
  • Get vaccinated when vaccine becomes available to you


Resources for Homelessness in Calhoun County
Partners across our community are working to support our neighbors who may face eviction, or need a safe and secure place to live, both in the City of Battle Creek and throughout Calhoun County.

The Homeless Coalition of Calhoun County is working with five programs to support this work, totaling millions of dollars of assistance to people who need it. Eligibility depends on different factors for the different programs; some have income requirements, and some offer assistance based on the housing need, for example.

There are a variety of phone numbers to call, based on the need. Please use and share the attached graphics so we can help our neighbors in need seek assistance.
***


For updates from Calhoun County, about County operations and COVID-19 in Calhoun County, visit the County website, calhouncountymi.gov.

For updates from the City of Battle Creek, please visit battlecreekmi.gov/coronavirus.

The State’s COVID-19 Hotline is available for anyone who has questions or concerns related to the virus. The hotline is open seven days a week from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 1-888-535-6136. For state COVID-19 information, visit michigan.gov/coronavirus.
For information, contact
Lucy Blair, Calhoun County Communications Manager
269-781-0926, [email protected]

Victor Jovanovich, Public Health Department Communications Specialist
269-969-6341, [email protected]

Jessica Vanderkolk, City of Battle Creek Communications Manager
269-966-3378, [email protected]