COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency reported on Friday that the number of people who have died in Hillsdale County after testing positive for COVID-19 is now up to 23.
There have been 26 deaths in the jurisdiction since the outbreak began.
The latest figures show there have been 92 positive cases in Branch County during the pandemic along with 162 in Hillsdale County and 82 in St. Joseph County.
There has been a recent surge of St. Joseph County cases. Fox-17 News reported on Friday that 25 COVID-19 cases were tied to the Iceberg Enterprises plant in Sturgis.
The Community Health Agency and Iceberg issued a joint statement on Friday which said Iceberg management found out on May 6 that of a number of employees testing positive for COVID-19.
The business evacuated the facility and initiated a deep cleaning/aeration procedure. The plant was closed until this past Wednesday.
Since it reopened, all onsite workers are tested for COVID-19. Other requirements have been instituted in order to protect workers and the community.
Workers now must wear face masks or face shields. Gloves are also available.
Hands must be washed before each shift, at each break, and every time a worker starts or returns to a station.
If there are further positive test results for a worker, the deep cleaning procedure is invoked every time. Workers who have been exposed to a COVID-19 case are quarantined for a period defined by the Community Health Agency. Any worker who tests positive may not return to work until they have satisfied the criteria outlined by the C.H.A..
