Cancellations and closures due to COVID-19

MICHIGAN (WKZO AM/FM) — Large gatherings, schools, businesses, and more are canceling events or restricting travel as they continue to respond to the coronavirus.

On Monday, March 16th Governor Gretchen Whitmer canceled all events with more than 50 people attending starting that day at 5 p.m. and ending on Sunday, April 5th at 5 p.m.

She also ordered the closure of all bars, restaurants, and many other businesses in hopes of slowing the spread of the virus, but take-out and delivery services are still allowed. This ban affects businesses such as dine-in restaurants, coffee shops, bars, clubs, movie theaters and other performance venues, fitness centers, spas, casinos, and more.

On Saturday, March 21st the governor expanded that list to include the temporary closure of hair, nail, tanning, massage, spa, tattoo, body art and piercing services, and similar services and salons that require individuals to be within 6 feet of each other.

Below is a growing list of events that have been canceled or postponed due to coronavirus concerns. It will continued to be updated as more information comes in.

The most up-to-date information on the coronavirus including the number of positive cases can be found at michigan.gov/coronavirus.

—— SCHOOLS ——

State Wide K-12 School Closures:

On Thursday, March 12th Governor Gretchen Whitmer ordered the closure of all K-12 school buildings in Michigan taking effect from March 16th until April 5th. The executive order closes all public, private, and boarding schools to students during the period.

School districts have assured teachers and other staff that as stipulated by contracts they will be paid during the closures. Most schools have developed online lesson plans and learning packages for students to access as classes remained canceled.

Both Portage and Kalamazoo Public Schools have announced that they will continue with their scheduled spring break from April 6th through April 10th.

The Michigan Department of Education is working with districts during the closures to assure student safety and access to school provided meals.

On Friday, March 20th the department announced that online schooling, which most K-12 schools have relied on to educate students during the shutdown, would not in every case count as instructional learning. Michigan law requires students to receive 1,098 instructional hours each year. This could mean that the weeks schools were closed could be made up for during summer vacation.

Many students also depend on school provided meals. Local districts including Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, and others are providing public meal pick-up times for students and their families during the closures.

Kalamazoo public schools is providing meals for breakfast and lunch each week. Students can access the meals on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the following times and locations:

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at all Kalamazoo Public Schools school buildings except Greenwood, Indian Prairie and Winchell elementary schools, the Alternative Learning Program/ALP, and South Westnedge School.
11:30 a.m.-Noon – Interfaith, 1037 Interfaith Blvd.
11:30 a.m.-Noon – Eastside Neighborhood Association, 1301 E. Main St.
12:30-1 p.m. – Fox Ridge Apartments, 1320 Fox Ridge Dr.
12:30- 1 p.m. New Village Park, 2500 St. Albans Way

Coronavirus closure information, event cancellations, free meal services, and health advice for both students and parents can be found at district websites or their specific COVID-19 response webpage:

– Kalamazoo County –

Kalamazoo Public School District, Otsego Public Schools, Plainwell Community Schools, Parchment School District, Comstock Public Schools, Gull Lake Community Schools, Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools, Mattawan Consolidated Schools, Portage Public Schools, Climax-Scotts Community Schools, Schoolcraft Community Schools, and Vicksburg Community Schools.

– Van Buren County –

Bangor Public Schools, Bloomingdale Public School District, Covert Public Schools, Decatur Public Schools, Gobles Public School District, Hartford Public School District, Lawrence Public Schools, Lawton Community School District, Paw Paw Public School District, South Haven Public Schools, Van Buren Intermediate School District

– Allegan County –

Allegan Public Schools, Fennville Public Schools, Glenn Public School District, Hamilton Community Schools, Hopkins Public Schools, Martin Public Schools, Otsego Public Schools , Plainwell Community Schools, Saugatuck Public schools, and Wayland Union Schools.

– Calhoun County –

Athens Area Schools, Battle Creek Public Schools, Bellevue Community Schools, Harper Creek Community Schools, Homer Community Schools, Lakeview School District, Mar Lee School, Marshall Public Schools, Olivet Community Schools, Pennfield Schools, Tekonsha Community Schools, and Union City Community Schools.

——- STATE UNIVERSITY CLOSURES ——-

All of Michigan’s public universities have announced that they will temporarily switch to online and distance learning for different durations of time, to prevent transmission of COVID-19 during the ongoing outbreak.

This includes Western Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Central Michigan University, The University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, Flint, and Dearborn Campuses), Michigan State University, Oakland University, Wayne State University, Ferris State University, Saginaw Valley University, Northern Michigan University, Lake Superior State University, and Michigan Technological University.

Here is the latest information regarding Southwest Michigan public universities:

– Western Michigan –

Western Michigan University has announced that residence halls will be closing at 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 24 for the rest of the spring semester. Move out will proceed in two phases. Students still living in residence halls may check out Friday, March 20, through Sunday, March 22. Those who have already returned home will receive instructions for retrieving their belongings and checking out from Sunday, March 22, through Tuesday, March 24. Students with extenuating circumstances, such as international students, Seita Scholars and Foundation Scholars, will be permitted to remain in a residence hall. Dining services will be available to them.
All classes will be taught through online learning until the end of the spring semester.
Commencement ceremonies, which were originally scheduled for April 25th, have been postponed until further notice. Details, including an alternative date for the exercises, are pending and will be communicated soon.
Western Michigan University’s Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine has canceled it’s class of 2020 Match Day, Spring Evening Faculty Meeting, Research Day, and Second Look Day. Visitors will be limited to WMed facilities and students working in medical environments will go through mandatory health screening.

– Grand Valley State University –

All classes will be taught through online and distance learning through the end of the spring semester. All staff members that can work remotely will be doing so.
Residence halls and living centers will close except for highly exceptional student needs. Fees paid in advance for housing and dining will be prorated.
Spring and summer classes will start as scheduled May 4 and will begin with remote delivery. Registration for these classes began March 16 and is ongoing.
April commencement ceremonies will be postponed. The university will honor our Class of 2020 and will be in touch later with graduates about other options.

Community Colleges have also announced temporary cancellations of in-person classes. Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Kellogg Community College, Lake Michigan College, Grand Rapids Community College, Southwest Michigan College, and Muskegon Community College have all announced a switch to online courses for a duration of time.

– Kalamazoo Valley Community College –

Buildings will close to the public beginning Friday, March 20th and through April 12th.
Online and remote learning will continue for students enrolled in winter semester classes. Student services will still be available via phone, email and virtual meetings during regular business hours.
Officials will reevaluate on April 1st to determine if that timeframe should be extended.

– Kellogg Community College –

All campus buildings will be closed to students from March 18th through April 6th.
Courses will be transferred to an online setting for students beginning March 23rd.

– Lake Michigan College –

Lake Michigan College classes will be cancelled March 13th, all in-person classes are cancelled March 16th-20th and then distance learning will take place March 23rd-April 13th.
All student life activities and public events on campus, including all Mendel Center activities have been canceled through April 12.
The May Commencement ceremony and Honors Convocation have been postponed until August. The Graduate Fair will be rescheduled in July. Dates and times will be shared as they are determined.

– Southwest Michigan College –

All in-person classes have been canceled from March 23rd through April 6th and transferred to an online learning setting. Residence halls remain open to students, but at reduced capacity. Visitors are prohibited from inside residence halls as a precaution.

– Grand Rapids Community College –

All campus buildings will be closed and courses transferred to online learning between March 18th and April 3rd.
GRCC will be distributing food to students on a first-come, first-serve basis on Lyon St., between the Student Center and Cook Hall on Tuesday, March 24, 4-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, noon-2 p.m., and Monday, April 6, 10 a.m.-noon.

Private Colleges in Southwest Michigan have also announced temporary building closures and other health precautions due to the coronavirus outbreak. Albion College, Kalamazoo College, Hope College, and Calvin University have said they will conduct classes through online learning for a period of time.

– Kalamazoo College –

Kalamazoo College, which follows a trimester calendar, will have all academic courses in distance learning formats beginning Wednesday, April 1st, with in-person classes expected to return on April 13th.
Residence halls will close on Wednesday, March 18th and open again on April 12th to students.

– Calvin University –

All in-person classes have been canceled and students will learn through online courses until the end of the spring semester.
Residence halls will be closed for the rest of the spring semester beginning on March 23rd.
The university has not decided on whether commencements will be postponed, but will make an announcement before April 24th.

– Albion College –

All in-person classes have been canceled and students will complete courses online from March 16th through March 23rd. Students in classes not yet online have been given a substantial assignment in the meantime.
All residential and campus dining locations will remain open, but certain areas will be subject to a 10 person limit on the advice of the CDC.
Athletic facilities and libraries have been closed until further notice.
Commencement (scheduled for May 2) and Milestone Reunions (scheduled for May 14-16) have been postponed and will be rescheduled. The College will share new dates promptly once these events are officially rescheduled

– Hope College –

All in-person classes have been canceled and campus facilities shut down. Students will continue courses online beginning March 23rd through the end of the spring semester.
All student residents, except for those in exceptional need, will have to vacate student housing between March 21st and April 5th.
Graduating seniors’ graduation date remain May 2020, and diplomas will be mailed to students about six weeks after they pass final exams
All athletics events, including practices and competitions, are canceled through the end of the academic year.

——- HEALTHCARE AND HOSPITALS ——-

(Please call ahead for care at hospitals to ensure the safety of all healthcare providers)

Regional healthcare providers are imposing visitor restrictions, cancellations of voluntary procedures, and other precautions as they prepare to treat patients during the COVID-19 outbreak.

On Friday, March 20th, Governor Whitmer ordered all medical and dental facilities to postpone any “non-essential” procedures from March 20th until the COVID-19 State of Emergency is lifted.

– Bronson Healthcare –

Canceling all elective procedures and operations for a period of time beginning on March 18th at all of its facilities.
Two visitors are allowed for each patient undergoing surgery, in end-of-life situations, going through labor and delivery, in the NICU unit, and undergoing pediatric care.
Visiting hours have been limited to the hours between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. at Bronson Healthcare hospitals.

– West Michigan Cancer Center –

Beginning March 16th until further notice only patients and West Michigan Cancer Center staff will be allowed at the facility. Patients are advised not to come to the center unless they have an appointment. Those with an appointment who experience symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to contact their primary care provider before visiting the center.

– Ascension Healthcare/ Ascension Borgess –

Ascension healthcare ministries has set up COVID-19 triage areas at all of its emergency care facilities, including Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, Ascension Borgess-Pipp Hospital in Plainwell, Ascension Borgess-Lee Hospital in Dowagiac, and Ascension Borgess Allegan Hospital.
Ascension Borgess Hospital visitor hours have been restricted to between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. every day. Visitors are asked to call the facility they expect to visit to confirm hours beforehand.
Only one visitor will be allowed for patients in pediatric care, undergoing surgery, hospice, end of life care, labor and delivery, critical care unit, making decisions on behalf of a patient.
No visitors are being allowed in ambulances except for surgery, serious conditions, acting as a birth partner, or being necessary for delivery of care to a patient.

– Western Michigan (WMed) Health –

WMed health clinics will remain open during normal hours.
Incoming patients will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and facemasks will be provided at facilities.
Non-patients such as visitors and family members will be restricted from entering clinics unless absolutely necessary.

– Spectrum Health –

Spectrum Health is canceling all appointments, surgeries, and procedures that are not urgent or emergency related from March 17th through March 31st.
Some clinics and locations will be closed to patients until further notice.
An outside triage center for COVID-19 screening has been set up at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids.

– Veterans Affairs Health System –

The Battle Creek VA Medical Center and Muskegon VA Medical Center will be maintaining regular hours for patients and visitors.
As of March 19th, VA services will no longer be seeing patients at Lansing, Benton Harbor, and Muskegon community based outpatient clinics for the time being. The Wyoming community based outpatient clinic will remain open.

The Michigan Dental Association has recommended that all dental offices in Michigan close down for two weeks beginning on March 17th.

Several mental healthcare and psychiatric service providers have temporarily shut down locations or services.

Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services has reached out to patients to set up remote therapy through video and online platforms. Patients are still being admitted to the Pine Rest Psychiatric Urgent Care Center, hospital inpatient services, and some of the partial hospitalization programs are still accepting patients on a pending basis. The Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital, which is operated by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, will maintain regular services.

Several pharmacies, outpatient facilities, urgent care facilities, and other healthcare outlets have imposed their own restrictions and precautions in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Patients are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider for more information and to confirm pre-existing appointments.

——- GOVERNMENT OFFICES ——-

Several municipal and county government offices have been shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Certain services and scheduled meetings are expected to continue depending on the specific government during the duration of the shutdowns.

– Kalamazoo County –

Kalamazoo County buildings will remain closed beginning on March 16th until April 12th.
Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioner meetings will take place as scheduled during the period. Residents are encouraged to view meetings online at https://www.publicmedianet.org/.
Kalamazoo County MDOC Probation and Parole Agents continue to work although their office is not open for public access
Essential services will still be provided including water, emergency response, fire, and health services during the shutdown period.

– Kalamazoo City –

City facilities will be closed to the public beginning March 17th until further notice.
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Headquarters and branch offices will be closed to the public as of March 23rd until the end of the shutdown.
Water shutoffs will be temporarily canceled and reinstated for delinquent accounts during the period, though customers will still be charged for water used.
All non-essential meetings including two public-input meetings for March 11th and March 12th regarding a proposed housing ordinance have been canceled. City Commission meetings will continue according to the upcoming schedule.
On-site building and rental inspections have been halted; exceptions will be made in the case of health / life safety emergencies.
Beginning Friday, March 20 all Kalamazoo Parks playground facilities and picnic pavilions will be closed. Park open spaces and trails will remain open and the public is encouraged to use social distancing while in any park or open space.
Kalamazoo parks programs have been cancelled through April 12th.
Bulk trash pickup, recycling and cemetery services will continue during this time.
Basic services such as water, fire, emergency, and health services will continue to be provided. Residents can reach the city of Kalamazoo for assistance by dialing 3-1-1 or calling (269) 337-8000.
The Kalamazoo Gospel Mission (KGM) will be providing homeless services, although several events have been canceled. Those in need of KGM services can contact (269)-345-2974 or visit the official website.

– Portage –

The City of Portage has closed all city facilities to the public beginning March 16th until further notice.
The Planning Commission meeting on Thursday, March 19, as well as the Board of Review and City Council meetings on Tuesday, March 24 will be held.

– Oshtemo Township –

The Oshtemo Township has closed all city facilities to the public beginning March 16th until further notice.

– Kalamazoo Township –

Kalamazoo Township is requiring non-essential staff to work from home and is encouraging all residents to drop off documents at a dropbox in front of the township office. Residents are encouraged to contact city authorities by phone during the period for all necessary business.

– Comstock Township –

Beginning on March 16th Comstock Township Offices, Transfer Station, and Parks will be closed to the public until further notice.

– Parchment –

Beginning on March 23rd Parchment City Hall will have restricted hours. The building will be open to the public on Mondays from 8 am-12 pm and Thursdays from 1 pm-5 pm.

– Vicksburg –

Vicksburg Village Hall is closed to the public beginning March 16th until further notice due to Covid-19.

– Schoolcraft –

The Schoolcraft Village office will be closed from March 18th until further notice. Staff will be available through the phone to conduct business.

– Battle Creek –

The City of Battle Creek is closing all city facilities to the public from March 17th until April 3rd.
Business with the city can still be conducted by phone, online or using the city drop box in the City Hall parking lot.
All non-essential city meetings have been canceled. The Battle Creek city commission is expected to meet during their scheduled times.
Water shutoffs will also be suspended for an indefinite period of time. Services essential to the city residents will still be provided, such as water, fire and police.

– Calhoun County –

Calhoun County has closed facilities to the public from March 17th until April 13th.
Sheriff department lobbies in Battle Creek and Marshall will be closed during the period.
The Clerk and Register of deeds will continue to process paperwork through the mail and take phone calls during all business hours.

– Allegan County –

Allegan County is restricting non-essential visitors to facilities until further notice. The Allegan County Youth Home and Medical Care facility are being closed to all visitors. Animal shelter visits will still be available but by appointment only.

Several government agencies on the state and federal level have restricted services or shutdown offices.

The Social Security Administration is closing all offices for in-person services beginning March 17th until further notice. However, local offices are still able to provide services to citizens over the phone. Some services can also be complete online at www.socialsecurity.gov.
Michigan Secretary of State Offices will be limiting services. During the three-week period from March 16th to April 6th branches will only offer services for critical transactions that must be conducted in-person and only by appointment. “Walk-ins” will be asked to make an appointment, for the same day if available. The types of transactions available in-person at branches during this three-week period will be limited to new driver’s licenses and state ID’s, title transfers, and testing for an original commercial driver’s license, chauffeur’s license, mechanic’s license, motorcycle license, and recreational vehicle license.
Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency offices are closed until further notice. All walk-ins are prohibited and visitation is allowed only for those with an appointment. State residents are encouraged to go to the agency’s website Michigan.gov/UIA or by calling 866.500.0017.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will close its lobbies to visits from the public, except for appointments, and will stop requiring residents to visit MDHHS offices in order to receive state assistance benefits during the COVID-19 outbreak. Business will still be conducted by phone. Citizens can also use www.michigan.gov/MIBridges to submit paperwork, review benefit information, report changes, apply for benefits and complete the process for redetermining eligibility for assistance.
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be closing the information lobbies at all Michigan Welcome Centers until further notice. At locations where it is possible, restrooms will remain open to the public. A contact phone number will be posted at each location for visitors who need additional information. For travel information, visit www.Michigan.gov/Drive.
The Michigan Department of Civil Rights will close all offices to walk-in traffic, effective immediately until further notice. Individuals who have an appointment will be admitted to the Department’s offices. Any individual who wishes to file a complaint of unlawful discrimination or request information can do so online at Michigan.gov/MDCR, by email at MDCR-INFO@michigan.gov, or by calling 1-800-482-3604.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will close to general public traffic numerous customer service centers and field offices statewide. The closures will take effect at 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 18. The affected DNR offices will be open for regular deliveries and by appointment only to customers who need services such as obtaining hunting and fishing licenses, burn permits and charter licenses. Citizens in need of DNR services should contact their local office to see what is being provided. The DNR has also implemented new restrictions relating to camping, although campgrounds at state parks remain open. More information can be reviewed at this link.

——- LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIRE, PRISONS, & COURTS ——-

– Law Enforcement –

Law enforcement services throughout the state will continue to provide response and emergency services during the COVID-19 State of Emergency.

Police are taking extra precaution during the outbreak though. FOX2 reports that Michigan State Troopers are practicing social distancing during non-critical response and will be utilizing gloves and hand sanitizer, even bio hazard suits if needed. MSP is officially part of The Department of Homeland Security’s emergency management response during the outbreak.

In Kalamazoo County, the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office is now actively part of the Emergency Operations Center. The center was activated by county officials on March 15th to contain, manage, and mitigate the public health emergency. That move could open the door to obtaining additional healthcare stockpiles and emergency relief from the state and federal government.

Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Headquarters and all branch offices will be closed to the public. The department is reminding residents that crimes may be reported online.

Firefighting services, EMS services, and other essential emergency response personnel will still be available to residents in Kalamazoo County. The Kalamazoo County Central Dispatch Authority will be maintaining 24/7 emergency response services for anyone who dials 911 during the period.

– Prisons and Jails –

State health officials are urging jails and prisons in Michigan to ensure the health of staff, prisoners, and visitors during the COVID-19 outbreak, with many limiting visitation opportunities and taking extra steps to screen for potential cases.

Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller says the Kalamazoo County jail will see increased sanitation, with the hiring of additional cleaning crews, among other precautions.

“We have restricted movement inside the facility. We have also changed how the visitation takes place, visitation is only allowed through skyping type devices,” Fuller told WKZO.

Two Michigan Department of Corrections workers have tested positive for COVID-19, one of whom worked at a facility in Jackson County.

During the days around when Governor Whitmer ordered a ban on all events and gatherings over 50 people on March 13th, several prisons and jails have restricted access by the public:

The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) will cease in-person visiting of prisoners effective immediately for the safety of staff, prisoners and the public. This will also include outside volunteers and other tours and groups who routinely come into the prisons.
The Kalamazoo County Jail is closed to all visitors beginning on March 15th until further notice. Visitors will only be able to access prisoners through remote video calls. Certain congregating areas in the jail have been closed to prevent more than 10 people gathering at one time. Jail medical staff is conducting screening of inmates for COVID-19 and other contagions.
The St. Joseph County Jail is restricting all non-essential visits to ensure the safety and health of the jail population and all of their employees.
The Van Buren County Jail’s lobby will be closed for visitation. Remote video are still provided, and a free 15 minute visit will be available to each inmate weekly. Phone and mail communications to those lodged in the jail will continue as normal.
The Calhoun County Jail’s operations will continue, including visitation. For those who wish to avoid an in-person visit, there is the option to do video visitation from home, with an additional cost.

– Courts –

Several courts have suspended normal operations and hours due to the virus.

On March 15th the Michigan Supreme Court unanimously approved an order authorizing trial courts to take emergency actions to prevent COVID-19.

The measures include adjourning any trial courts for civil and criminal matters where the defendant is not in custody, maximizing use of videoconferencing, reducing number of heard cases at any time to limit crowding at facilities, allowing more discretion and changes to probation programs, and waive strict adherence to adjournment rules and policies.

Kalamazoo County has closed the 8th District courthouse beginning on March 16th until April 10th. Landlord-tenant hearings/trials scheduled before April 12th will be rescheduled. Civil jury trials, civil bench trials, small claims trials, and motion hearings for all civil cases scheduled before April 30th will be rescheduled. Most non-custody arraignments, conferences and trials will be rescheduled to after April 13th. Arraignments of in-custody defendants will proceed as scheduled.
Barry County and the Barry County Trial Court operations will remain available, however buildings will be closed to the public beginning Tuesday, March 24 through Sunday, April 13th. Please visit www.barrycounty.org for information about services or call 269-945-1400.
Chief Judge Kathleen M. Brickley has ordered all Van Buren County Courts closed to the public through April 5, 2020. Absent further updates, normal court operations will resume Monday April 6, 2020 at 8:30 a.m.
Like the county government, the Calhoun County Court is closed until April 13th beginning on March 17th. Any civil hearing by Judge Brian K. Kirkham on either Monday, March 16 or Monday, March 30, 2020 is cancelled. All Small Claims cases scheduled between March 16 and April 3, 2020 will be rescheduled by the Court. Emergency arraignments will take place via video conference.

Probation programs will continue, though jurisdictions like Kalamazoo County are mandating that reporting be done through email, phone or video conference as directed by the State Supreme Court.

—— SPORTING EVENTS ——-

Western Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, and most other colleges have canceled all remaining athletic programs and upcoming games for the winter semester following GLIAC and NCAA mandated guidelines.
K Wings games are cancelled, and their league the ECHL has canceled the rest of the 2019-2020 season.
The NBA has suspended all remaining games during the 2019-2020 season.
The NCAA has cancelled all basketball tournaments through the end of the season, including all March Madness games.
The NHL has suspended all remaining games during the 2019-2020 season.
MLB suspends spring training, delays opening day for baseball by at least two weeks.
The MHSAA has canceled all sporting competitions and events until the end of the winter season.
Special Olympics of Michigan is suspending all events and programming until the end of March.

——- PUBLIC SERVICES ——-

– Transportation –

Kalamazoo Metro bus service has closed its Kalamazoo Transportation Center on 459 South Burdick Street. As part of the measure the Metro Transit customer service desk, as well as Amtrak ticket counters and waiting areas will be closed to passengers. Metro said in a released statement that the outside loading areas for bus passengers will still stay open in the future. The change does not affect any pre-existing routes or metro connect services.
Kalamazoo Metro has announced that the bus service will be fare-free beginning on March 24. Riders are still expected to comply with social distancing guidelines.
Amtrak has announced a reduced number of times for certain routes and stops in Michigan. Most of the routes being altered involve those going either between Grand Rapids and Detroit to Chicago. All passengers should check with Amtrak’s website or app to see the latest information about previously planned trips.
The Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport is for the most part maintaining similar route and airliner options. Beginning April 1st Delta will stop service to Minneapolis, and in April American Airlines will reduce its options from 3 to 2 flights per day to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.

– Roads and Highways –

The Michigan Department of Transportation has announced that beginning March 16th all Michigan Welcome Centers are being closed. Bathroom facilities will still be available in some locations.
Some seasonal weight restrictions that took effect for large vehicles and semi-trucks in early March have been waived. The measure is in effect between March 16th and April 13th. It waives weight restrictions for vehicles transporting food, medical, and sanitation supplies to assist during the outbreak.
The Mackinac Bridge Authority says it will not be accepting cash payment beginning on Saturday, March 21st. Customers will now need to pay with a credit or debit card, and they can also use a MacPass card or windshield sticker. The bridge authority has also suspended its driver assistance program.
Three lower peninsula crossings into Canada will see restrictions. The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel has announced that it will be closing for all non-essential travel, as will the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit and Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron. Trade related and essential crossings will still be allowed. On March 18th the U.S. and Canada jointly agreed to close the border for a temporary amount of time.

– Libraries –

The Kalamazoo Public Library will be closed from March 14th through April 5th and has cancelled all programs until further notice. Due dates and holds will automatically be extended to accommodate the closure period. Due dates on MelCat items will also be extended and new requests will not be filled at this time. All drop boxes will be locked and unavailable during the closure. Library patrons are encouraged to check material out online and through digital programs.
The Parchment Library has cancelled all programs until further notice and will be closed from March 14th until April 5th. Due dates and holds will be extended to accommodate the closure period. Due dates on MelCat items will also be extended and new requests will not be filled at this time. Book return boxes will be locked and unavailable during the closure.
The Schoolcraft Library is closed from March 16th through April 5th. No fines will be incurred during the period and patrons are encouraged to use the library’s website to access e-books and audiobooks during the closure.
The Van Buren District Library is closed from April 16th until further notice. The library has phased out late fees, so none will be applied.
The Willard Library and Helen Warner Branch in Battle Creek will be closed until at least April 5th.

– Religious Organizations –

The Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo is canceling all mass services from March 18th through at least April 5th.The celebration of the Sacraments, including the Sacrament of Penance, Baptism, Marriage, Anointing of the Sick, Funerals and Eucharistic Adoration can continue, in following with certain guidelines, and must be kept under 50 people.
Kalamazoo’s First Congregational Church will be suspending in-person religious services and switching to a digital live stream.

– Senior Services –

Meals on Wheels will still be providing services as usual during the COVID-19 State of Emergency. Drivers are being asked to monitor their health and take extra safety precautions during the outbreak.
The offices of Senior Services of Southwest Michigan will be closed to the public beginning March 16th. This includes suspension of congregate meals and activities.
Ecumenical Senior Center in Kalamazoo will be closed from March 16th through at least April 7th.
Portage Senior Center is closed until further notice.

——- OTHER EVENTS ——-

(Most businesses and events are closed/cancelled due to Governor Whitmer’s order to close all bars, restaurant dining rooms, fitness centers, and other businesses through April 5th. It’s best to call ahead to see what business is open or still offering delivery or take-out services. In addition, the governor signed an executive order saying that all facilities that provide non-essential personal care services must temporarily close. This includes hair, nail, tanning, massage, spa, tattoo, body art and piercing services, and similar services that require individuals to be within 6 feet of each other.)

All events at Miller Auditorium scheduled between March 23rd and April 25th have been suspended.
FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Calhoun County has suspended casino activities and scheduled entertainment until further notice.
Gun Lake Casino in Allegan County is closing until April 13th. All casino events, including promotions, free bet offers, free slot play offers, and dining offers are cancelled.
The 91st annual Tulip Time Festival in Holland has been canceled this year.
The public celebration of life for the founder of “Taco Bob’s” Bob Ketteman is being postponed until the summer.
Kalamazoo Pride is rescheduling its festival, originally set to be held on June 5th and 6th, to later this year.
The Binder Park Zoo is currently closed to the public. The first day it will be open is scheduled for April 16th. All educational programs, volunteer activities, events, and meetings have been suspended until further notice.
The 55th International Congress on Medieval Studies scheduled from May 7th to May 10th at Miller Auditorium in Kalamazoo has been canceled. Attendees can still receive a refund by contacting Miller Auditorium before April 22nd.
The Kellogg Bird Sanctuary has postponed public events until April 20th. As of March 19th, the Kellogg Resource Center, bathrooms, and all buildings will be closed. Visitors can still hike on trails from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day on sanctuary grounds.
Easter Bunny visits at are being closed for the season at Lakeview Square Mall in Battle Creek.
The 11th annual Calhoun County Senior Fair is cancelled. Vendors who have already paid their registration fee will be fully reimbursed.
The National Weather Service Grand Rapids Office has canceled all Skywarn Spotter Training Sessions for the month of March
The Kalamazoo Valley Museum will be closed March 16th-April 12th.
The Kalamazoo Nature Center is cancelling all programming and its visitor center from March 13-March 20. Trails will remain open with extended hours.
2020 Gilmore International Keyboard Festival cancelled. Those with tickets can either, donate tickets and receive a tax deduction for the total ticket value, request a credit for any Gilmore performance through the 2022 festival, or receive a refund for the value of the ticket.
Bells Eccentric Cafe has canceled all events, including parties and concerts, attended by over 100 people through the end of April. The cafe will still remain open during the period. Bell’s has also canceled Oberon Day at the cafe on March 23rd.
The Ministry with Community event Chefs Against Hunger has been cancelled. More information can be found here.
Curious Kids’ Museum and Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone will be closed through April 14.
Amway River Bank Run in Grand Rapids has been rescheduled for October 24th.
Grand Rapids “Festival of the Arts” has been cancelled
Grand Rapids Gazelle Girl Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K is now a virtual race.
LaughFest in Grand Rapids has cancelled or postponed a number of their events
Many shows and events at Van Andel Arena, Devos Place, and Devos Performance Hall have been postponed. An updated list can be found here.

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If you’d like to add an event to this list, please email wkzonews@wkzo.com.

Cancellations and closures due to COVID-19

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