Coldwater and COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease that can result in serious illness or death. It is caused by a new strain of coronavirus not previously identified in humans and easily spread from person to person. Older adults and those with chronic health conditions are at particular risk, and there is an increased risk of rapid spread of COVID-19 among persons in close proximity to one another. There is currently no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment for this disease.

Patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

• If you think you have symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider, call the nearest hospital. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
• Stay at least 6 feet away from others when in a public setting.

There have been seemingly endless articles about how and why we need to isolate ourselves and be careful that are much more informative and better written that what I could write on Covid-19. What I can do is assure the citizens of Coldwater that the City is taking steps to protect the safety and welfare of our citizens. Police and Fire services are fully operational and utilities will continue to be provided and serviced during these unprecedentedly challenging times. We have limited the services that are available at City Hall and have eliminated organized recreational activities. Staff are working from home where possible and services will continue to be delivered.

The short and long term effects of Covid-19 will not be fully known for some time, but I believe the Coldwater community is positioned to recover quickly. The City is in solid economic condition, we have a diverse economy that includes auto related industries, corrections, farming, a distribution center, and a pork production facility. These core employers combined with a wide array of smaller business should enable us recover quicker and more completely than communities that are reliant on a single or dominant employer.

Part of our diversification is the result of cooperation between the City, Township, and County. The prison, Wal-Mart Distribution Center, and Clemens Food Group are a few examples of how politicians put aside their egos and self-interest to work for the betterment of the entire community. Clemens is here because the City, Coldwater Township, and County all agreed to forego their share of the tax revenue so those funds could be used to pay for the infrastructure and improvement required to bring Clemens to our community. This community’s health would look a lot different, particularly in the shadow of Covid-19, if not for those three employers who together employ over 2000 men and women.

It is very easy (and maybe sometimes accurate) to point fingers at government ineptitude and at the self-serving motivations of politicians. There are however, especially at the local level, individuals who spend their time trying to make our community better and stronger. In times like these, those individuals deserve to be recognized and thanked for the, often times, thankless job they do. I think the job they do and have been doing is reflected in the health and strength of Branch County. A final note of appreciation to all the Police, Fire, Medical, First Responders, and Utility workers, grocery store employees, pharmacy workers, and others who put themselves on the front line to ensure our safety and protect our community.

Statement from Coldwater City Manager Keith Baker

The City of Coldwater is closely monitoring the state and local implications regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Following the announcement of Michigan’s first presumptive positive cases of COVID-19, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are providing recommendations designed to help prevent the spread of the virus. The City of Coldwater and Board of Public Utilities are dedicated to protecting the health and safety of everyone in the City and are following these recommendations closely.

As this situation evolves, so will we. We will make appropriate changes to stay proactive in mitigating the risks and spread of the Corona-virus while continuing to keep the City and the CBPU running.Follow our social media platforms to access the most up-to-date information should anything change.