Barry-Eaton District Health Department announced Friday it has ordered a temporary quarantine for residents of Mallard Pond Village Apartments in Hastings, Michigan after becoming aware of a few individuals with novel coronavirus through case investigation efforts.
This quarantine is an effort to prevent additional cases. Mallard Pond provides housing to seniors, who are especially vulnerable to severe COVID-19 illness. During the quarantine period, Mallard Pond residents are asked to not leave their homes.
“The primary goal of the measure is to protect public health,” said Colette Scrimger, Health Officer. “During this difficult time, special considerations must be taken to protect the community’s most vulnerable members. We know that a quarantine of Mallard Pond Village Apartments will be challenging for the residents. To address these issues, BEDHD is proud to partner with several local Barry County organizations to make sure residents’ needs are met.”
This joint effort includes coordination with many agencies to provide necessary supplies such as food, prescription medication, and personal care items. BEDHD is working collaboratively with Mallard Pond Village Apartments Management, the United Way of Barry County, Barry County Commission on Aging, Barry County Emergency Management, CareWell Services of Southwest Michigan, the South Michigan Food Bank, and others to keep the community’s residents safe and well during the quarantine period.
BEDHD will be communicating with each resident personally and on a regular basis to monitor health, coordinate testing for COVID-19 if needed, and to ensure needs are met.
As of 4/16/20, there have been 20 cases of COVID-19 in Barry County, and one COVID-19 related death.
