BERRIEN COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Health officials in Berrien County are clarifying who to call in case of concerns over “Stay Home, Stay Safe” violations.
Berrien County residents are being asked to not call the Berrien County Public Safety Dispatch Center with their questions or concerns regarding possible violations of the Executive Order.
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office is working with the Health Department to attempt to handle these calls through the Berrien County COVID-19 Response Hotline (800) 815-5485. This is the hotline that should be used when asking questions about the order and its violations.
“We need to keep our dispatchers available to answer 9-1-1 calls and other calls for service where a police, fire or EMS response is needed,” 9-1-1 Director Dave Agens said in a statement.
Since many exceptions apply, Sheriff Paul Bailey says residents should review the Executive Order before making a formal complaint.
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department has established an online tip form to handle the non-emergency reports of violations of the Executive Order issued by the Governor.
Meanwhile, police and health officials urge compliance with the Stay Home order, as it is critical in helping to slow the spread of COVID-19.
“It is going to take all of us working together and complying with this order to help slow the spread of this virus,” Berrien Springs-Oronoko Twp. Police Department Chief Paul Toliver said. “Law enforcement officials across the county are urging people to comply with this order voluntarily. Our goal would be to educate people and warn individuals first and then take enforcement action if the violation continues and it poses a public health concern.”
Willful violations of the Governor’s Executive Orders are a misdemeanor and can also result in a $500 fine.
As last reported by the State of Michigan, there were 38 cases of COVID-19 in Berrien County with one confirmed death.
