KALAMAZOO, MI -- As cases of coronavirus in Kalamazoo County and elsewhere in Michigan and around the world have increased rapidly, the outbreak’s impact on daily life has been far-reaching.
The first cases of coronavirus in Michigan were confirmed on Tuesday, March 10. The following day, the Word Health Organization declared the virus a pandemic and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer asked people to avoid non-essential travel and large gatherings. Also on March 11, Western Michigan University joined public universities across the state in canceling in-person classes and moving instruction online.
The day after that, on March 12, Whitmer announced all K-12 schools would be closed beginning Monday, March 16. School closures also meant that all high school sporting events were suspended. The governor would later extend the temporary school closures through the end of the school year.
Within a matter of days, multiple venues in Kalamazoo canceled events, Bell’s Brewery canceled Oberon Day, public libraries and area casinos closed. Whitmer would also order all restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters and other public entertainment and recreational venues to close their doors.
Here are the major developments and stories connected to the COVID-19 outbreak, including the daily increases of confirmed cases in Kalamazoo County, starting with the county’s first three cases, reported on March 23:
Monday, March 23:
• The first 3 cases of coronavirus were reported in Kalamazoo County.
• The same day, Kalamazoo Public Safety closed its facilities to the public and Kalamazoo County’s sheriff reported that one of his deputies had tested positive for coronavirus.
Tuesday, March 24:
• 1 new Kalamazoo County case, bringing the total to 4
Wednesday, March 25:
• 1 new Kalamazoo County case, bringing the total to 5
• Portage manufacturer Mann+Hummel announced the layoff of 377 workers.
• In Kalamazoo, one couple celebrated 48 years of marriage despite being separated by the glass window of an assisted living facility with strict visitation restrictions in place.
Thursday, March 26:
• 5 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 10
• A Kalamazoo Public Safety officer tested positive for coronavirus following an off-duty exposure, according to the department.
• A local business donated hundreds of laptops to Kalamazoo Public Schools seniors to help the students finish their classwork from home.
Friday, March 27:
• 1 new Kalamazoo County case, bringing the total to 11
• The first three Western Michigan University students tested positive for coronavirus, according to the university. One student was quarantined in the residence halls while the other two lived off of campus.
• Gazelle Sports announced 164 employees would be laid off during the mandated closure of store locations in both Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids.
Saturday, March 28:
• 4 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 15
Sunday, March 29:
• 4 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 19
• WMU reported that a student, Bassey Offiong, died from coronavirus. He was hospitalized near his home in Southeast Michigan when he died, the university said.
Monday, March 30:
• 5 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 24
• The first death was reported in Kalamazoo County. The individual was an older adult with underlying medical conditions.
• The first death was reported in Berrien County. The patient was a man over the age of 70 with serious underlying health conditions.
Tuesday, March 31:
• No new Kalamazoo County cases were reported, and the total confirmed cases remained at 24.
• The Kalamazoo City Commission held its first virtual meeting where they created a $2 million fund to help small businesses hurt by coronavirus in Kalamazoo. The meeting was interrupted by internet trolls, who spewed profanity and racial slurs during the period for public comment.
• Also on Tuesday, Kalamazoo and Portage officials closed playgrounds and park facilities to the public, and Kalamazoo Metro suspended regular bus route service in response to recommendations to slow the spread of coronavirus in the community. On-demand service was maintained to provide trips for members of the essential workforce, medically necessary trips and trips to the grocery or pharmacy.
• The first coronavirus-related death was reported in Cass County.
Wednesday, April 1:
• 6 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 30
• WMU announced the first session of summer courses would be delivered online to students. At this point, the university did not make any decision about the second session of summer courses, which begins July 25.
Thursday, April 2:
• 4 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 34
• Whitmer closed all K-12 schools through the remainder of the school year, and Kalamazoo Public Schools said they will deliver learning to students remotely.
• Also on Thursday, a fourth WMU student tested positive for coronavirus. Kalamazoo County officials answered questions about the county’s response to coronravirus from local partners in a public phone call.
• The first coronavirus-related death in Van Buren County was reported.
Friday, April 3:
• 6 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 40
• Kalamazoo city officials canceled an upcoming meeting after internet trolls attacked the first virtual session. WMU’s Miller Auditorium postponed the remainder of its shows for its current season.
• More than 100 local businesses remain open to serve take-out food to the community.
• A Portage car wash still operating was instructed to close as a non-essential business. Also, medical device manufacturer Stryker announced they were building medical beds to help in the response to coronavirus.
Saturday, April 4:
• 5 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 45
• Two more deaths were reported in Kalamazoo County, bringing the total number of deaths caused by coronavirus in the county to three. Both patients who died were older adults with underlying medical conditions.
Sunday, April 5:
• 8 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 53
• Kalamazoo Catholic Diocese began offering a live stream of all Holy Week liturgies from St. Augustine Cathedral.
Monday, April 6:
• 5 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 58
• The city of Kalamazoo announced Monday that all city parks would be closed to the public beginning Tuesday. The city had initially marked playground facilities and picnic pavilions as off-limits, but the updated decision expanded the closure to open spaces and trails after city officials received reports of large gatherings over the weekend.
• Whitmer said Michiganders should wear masks anytime they are in public to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Tuesday, April 7:
• 6 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 64
• Two more deaths were reported in Kalamazoo County bringing the total number of deaths caused by coronavirus in the county to five.
• Portage city officials canceled the April brush and leaf collection program in compliance with the governor’s order. The City of Portage Compost Facility, located at 10905 Oakland Drive, will be open for residents to drop off brush and bagged leaves on certain days from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Kalamazoo County officials announced that a COVID-19 testing site will be set up at the Kalamazoo Health and Community Services Department. The site will be by appointment only through a clinician’s recommendation.
Wednesday, April 8:
• 3 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 67
• A sixth person in Kalamazoo County has died from coronavirus, officials reported Wednesday. All six people who have died of COVID-19 in Kalamazoo County have been described by county health officials as older adults with underlying medical conditions.
Thursday, April 9:
• 7 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 74
• Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extended the stay-at-home order until April 30. It was originally scheduled to be lifted April 13.
• The global pharmaceutical manufacturing company Pfizer is working towards supplying millions of doses of a COVID-19 vaccine by the end of the year, according to the company.
Friday, April 10:
• 3 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 77
• A seventh person was reported dead from coronavirus in Kalamazoo County.
• Portage city officials closed the tennis and pickleball courts in compliance with the extended stay-at-home order. Green spaces and trails within Portage parks remain open for use by the public. The city asks that park patrons adhere to the six-foot social distancing rule.
• A Kalamazoo man launched the website, KalamazooMenu.com, to help community members find options for take-out food while restaurants across the state are prohibiting from serving meals in dining rooms.
• Bronson Healthcare has a new CEO who is preparing the system for a surge of coronavirus patients.
• The Kalamazoo Farmers Market announced they are delaying the opening date of the 2020 season amid the coroanvirus pandemic.
Saturday, April 11:
• 2 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 79
Sunday, April 12:
• 5 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 84
• People across the state celebrated Easter this year a bit differently including online or drive-up sermons.
Monday, April 13:
• 7 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 91
• In response to a “cluster of COVID-19,” the Berrien County Health Department and Spectrum Health Lakeland are working to investigate the illness spreading at Hallmark Living Benton Harbor. Three of the four residents who tested positive for COVID-19 at a Benton Harbor nursing home have died. Additionally, another four employees have tested positive for the coronavirus.
• The first death related to coronavirus was reported in Barry County. The victim was a 59-year-old woman who died Sunday, April 12, officials with the Barry-Eaton District Health Department said.
Tuesday, April 14:
• 5 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 96
• Another death was reported in Kalamazoo County, bringing the total number of coronavirus deaths to 8. The individual who died in Kalamazoo County was older than 70 with underlying health conditions, according to a county press release. All eight individuals who have died in the county match the same description.
• Berrien, Calhoun and Van Buren counties all reported one additional death Tuesday.
• Nearly 1,500 employees were placed on temporary furlough at Four Winds Casinos.
• A new day shelter has opened to help people with nowhere to go during the coronavirus pandemic. The day shelter is at The River, a church at 517 Walbridge Street.
Wednesday, April 15:
• 8 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 104
• Kalamazoo Public Schools canceled an upcoming board of education meeting scheduled for Thursday. KPS also rolled out its “Learning Continuity Plan," which is a remote learning plan for the remainder of the school year mandated by the state amid school closures for the COVID-19 emergency.
Thursday, April 16:
• 14 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 118
• With funding from the United Way, 100 hotel rooms in Battle Creek have been booked to use as a quarantine space for individuals who are symptomatic or have tested positive for COVID-19 but do not have shelter.
• The village of Schoolcraft, which sits in the southern portion of Kalamazoo County, announced Thursday that it is canceling this year’s 4th of July festivities amid concerns of the spread of the coronavirus.
Friday, April 17:
• 13 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 131
• The Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department reported a ninth patient has died from COVID-19 in the county. The individual was 70 or older and had underlying medical conditions.
• “Several” residents and employees have tested positive for the coronavirus at an assisted living facility in Berrien County. The Berrien County Health Department and Spectrum Health Lakeland are working to care for the residents at Pine Ride Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Stevensville.
Saturday, April 18:
• 23 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 154
Sunday, April 19:
• 12 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 166
Monday, April 20:
• 14 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 180
• A furniture manufacturer in Southwest Michigan is permanently reducing its workforce after a forced closure related to the coronavirus. Ameriwood Industries, a furniture manufacturer in Dowagiac, permanently laid off 79 employees and will repurpose its facility into a distribution center.
• The assisted living facility Park Village Pines in Oshtemo Township has tracked 10 cases of coronavirus at the facility so far, including two deaths, and is taking steps to stop further spread of the virus.
• The JBS meatpacking plant in Plainwell reported 60 coronavirus cases and one death related to the virus.
• Twenty people have tested positive for coronavirus at the long-term care provider Medilodge of Kalamazoo, and one person tested positive while a resident of Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries, a homeless shelter, according to county health officials.
Tuesday, April 21:
• 21 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 201
• A 10th death was reported in Kalamazoo County. All 10 deaths have been among adults 70 or older with underlying health conditions. The median age of the deceased is 84.
• The Kalamazoo nonprofit Mothers of Hope provided prepaid laundry cards and laundry supplies to more than 300 families this week. The program is, in part, a way to honor the late Shequita Lewis, who served on the Kalamazoo County Equity Task Force.
• Due to rising costs of COVID-19 care, Bronson Healthcare system announced executive level pay cuts and non-clinical employee furloughs.
• Kalamazoo Public Schools announced they will loan Chromebooks to every high school student who needs one to complete the school year remotely while schools are closed.
Wednesday, April 22:
• 11 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 212
• An 11th death of reported in Kalamazoo County. All 11 COVID-19 deaths have been among adults 70 or older with underlying health conditions, according to Kalamazoo County health officials. The median age of the deceased is 84.
Thursday, April 23:
• 17 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 229
• The “rolling” coronavirus testing site in Kalamazoo County made its second stop Thursday and once again exceeded its scheduling goals, according to officials from Family Health Center.
• Kalamazoo Public Schools expanded the laptop distribution to every student across the district to help students complete their work remotely.
• The Western Michigan University Board of Trustees voted to not increase tuition or room and board costs for students. During the meeting, the university president said WMU has already lost $45 million in revenue because of coronavirus.
Friday, April 24:
• 37 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 266
• Spectrum Health Lakeland joined other hospitals across Michigan to begin treating coronavirus patients with the plasma from survivors.
Saturday, April 25:
• 14 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 280
Sunday, April 26:
• 12 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 292
• A 12th person died of coronavirus in Kalamazoo County. No information about the county’s most recent death has been made available at this time.
Monday, April 27:
• 8 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 300
• Allegan County meat packing plant JBS now has 86 employees with confirmed cases of the coronavirus, but a local health official says the worst appears to be behind them.
Tuesday, April 28:
• 27 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 327
• The 2020 Do-Dah Parade and Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair have been postponed to new dates in August, according to event organizers.
• The Kalamazoo Farmers Market will open for drive-thru orders only in May 2020, allowing people to buy produce and other items from local vendors while also promoting social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic.
• Michigan universities, including Kalamazoo’s Western Michigan University, are losing millions of dollars in revenue because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Wednesday, April 29:
• 21 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 348
• The 2020 Kalamazoo Pride event, originally scheduled for June 5-6, at Arcadia Creek Festival Place, was canceled for this year due to ongoing concerns about the potential spread of coronavirus, OutFront Kalamazoo said. The 2020 Ribfest event, scheduled for July 31-Aug. 1, was also canceled because of coronavirus.
Thursday, April 30:
• 16 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 364
• A 13th person died from coronavirus in Kalamazoo County. The person was between the ages of 60-79 years and had underlying medical conditions, according to the county.
• Western Michigan University announced Thursday they will lay off employees and implement wage reductions to offset the financial losses from the coronavirus pandemic.
• The Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival, scheduled for July 1-5, was canceled by event organizers.
• Kalamazoo’s two major hospitals, Bronson Methodist and Ascension Borgess, have signed onto a national initiative to use plasma donated from coronavirus survivors as a treatment for current patients.
Friday, May 1:
• 41 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 405
• 6 new deaths were reported in Kalamazoo County. The six deaths reported on May 1 did not occur in one day, the health department said in a news release. All of the people who have died have been 60 years old or older.
• Kalamazoo Public Schools is delaying the renovations at the Derek Jeter Field at Kalamazoo Central High School because of the pandemic. Those improvements are now slated for 2021.
Saturday, May 2:
• 41 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 446
Sunday, May 3:
• 15 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 461
Monday, May 4:
• 6 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 467
• 2 more deaths were reported in Kalamazoo County
• The city of Kalamazoo announced that city parks will reopen for limited use starting Wednesday, May 6. Kalamazoo County also announced the same measures for parks owned by the county.
Tuesday, May 5:
• 24 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 491
• Voters are encouraged to drop off their absentee ballots for the May 5 election to avoid spreading coronavirus.
• Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine is now in clinical trials, the Kalamazoo-based pharmaceutical manufacturing company announced.
• The 2020 Portage Memorial Day Parade, along with the Memorial Day ceremony at the Portage Veterans Memorial Park was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Wednesday, May 6:
• 53 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 544
• Western Michigan University announced additional staff cuts will be necessary to balance the loss of revenue from the coronavirus pandemic.
Thursday, May 7:
• 18 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 563
• 3 new deaths were reported
• The Kalamazoo Irish Fest, originally scheduled for June 19-20, 2020, at Old Dog Tavern in Downtown Kalamazoo, was rescheduled for June 18-19, 2021.
Friday, May 8:
• 12 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 575
• $1.7 million in federal funds coming to Southwest Michigan for additional coronavirus testing
Saturday, May 9:
• 19 new Kalamazoo County cases brings the total to 594. The number of reported deaths remains at 25.
Sunday, May 10:
• 4 additional coronavirus deaths reported in Kalamazoo County bringing total to 29 deaths. With 12 newly reported cases, the county’s case count climbs to 606.
Monday, May 11:
• ‘Substantial’ layoffs still coming at Western Michigan University as budgets cut by 20%
• Area doctors cautiously optimistic about plasma treatment for coronavirus patients, put out call for donors.
• Kalamazoo County reports 19 new cases of the coronavirus and 6 new deaths bringing its total cases to 625 and total deaths to 35.
Tuesday, May 12:
• Fixed-route bus service will return to Kalamazoo, with limited hours, on May 18
• Intended to be a road map for local businesses once Gov. Gretchen Whitmer lifts the stay-home order, the county released an 89-page plan detailing phased reopening restrictions for local businesses and institutions post-pandemic.
• Kalamazoo County reports 14 new cases of the coronavirus and 1 new death. The county now has 639 reported cases and 36 deaths as a result of the virus.
Wednesday, May 13:
• Coronavirus deaths take a jump in Kalamazoo County: County reports 10 deaths over last week as death count hits 37. Five new cases, the lowest number since April 14, reported in last 24 hours as total case count hits 644.
• Michigan drive-in theater plans to open for season despite stay-home order
• Kalamazoo County COVID-19 ‘curve’ unreliable because of lack of early testing, officials say
Thursday, May 14:
• After month-long low in reported new cases, Kalamazoo County reports 27 cases since Wednesday — the most in a single day since May 6. The county also reported three new deaths as COVID-19 totals reach 671 cases and 40 deaths in county.
• JBS meat plant in Michigan sends home older workers as it ramps up production: Union negotiates for workers 60 and older to get paid time off during coronavirus pandemic.
• Kalamazoo Public Schools announces plans for virtual graduation ceremonies for Kalamazoo Central, Loy Norrix and Phoenix high schools
Friday, May 15:
• Kalamazoo schools brace for potentially ‘major’ funding cuts of between 10 and 25%.
• Kalamazoo city employees will work reduced hours to help offset $1.2M coronavirus deficit
• Kalamazoo County reports eight new cases and one death as totals climb to 679 cases and 41 deaths.
• South Haven beaches open with safety flags, social distancing signs
• $5,000 grants available to help Kalamazoo ‘micro’ businesses
Saturday, May 16:
• Moviegoers pack Michigan drive-in theater Friday night, defying Whitmer’s stay-home order: “It’s all a double standard,” theater owner says.
• Kalamazoo County reported 30 new cases of the coronavirus and one death Saturday afternoon. The county now has 709 cases and 42 deaths as a result of the virus.
Sunday, May 17:
• For the first time since March 31, Kalamazoo County reported no new cases of the coronavirus. The county also reported no new deaths for the first time in eight days. The county’s total number of cases remains at 709 and deaths at 42.
Monday, May 18:
• 14 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total 723
• The 2020 season of the Gazelle Sports Historic Walks, which was scheduled to begin in June, was canceled amid the governor’s stay-at-home order and the coronavirus pandemic.
Tuesday, May 19:
• 20 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 743
• The Kalamazoo County administrator has estimated an $1.3 million loss in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wednesday: May 20:
• 13 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 756
• Kalamazoo Public Schools is tentatively planning to hold in-person graduation ceremonies later this summer, responding to a request from a group of parents to reconsider plans to host only virtual ceremonies for graduating seniors.
• Western Michigan University awarded five grant for research related to the coronavirus pandemic.
• The Kalamazoo County government estimated a $1.3 million loss in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thursday: May 21:
• 9 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 765
Friday, May 22:
• 17 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing to the total to 782
• Bronson Healthcare launched antibody testing for coronavirus
Saturday, May 23:
• 14 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 796
Sunday, May 24:
• 8 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 804
Monday, May 25:
• 0 new Kalamazoo County cases
• 4 additional coronavirus related deaths in Kalamazoo County, bringing the total deaths to 49
• Kalamazoo County veterans continued the Memorial Day name reading tradition amid coronavirus pandemic
Tuesday, May 26:
• 1 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 805
• 1 additional coronavirus related death in Kalamazoo County, bringing the total deaths to 50
• The Western Michigan University Board of Trustees on Tuesday approved a contract with professors that includes a temporary 2.25% salary reduction.
Wednesday, May 27:
• 12 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 817
Thursday, May 28:
• 6 new Kalamazoo County cases, bringing the total to 823
• 3 additional deaths related to coronavirus
• Community colleges including Kalamazoo Valley announced plans to reopen in the fall.
• Kalamazoo County officials announced 500 coronavirus patients have recovered.
Friday, May 29:
• 1 new Kalamazoo County case
• Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek reopened to guests with safety protocols.
• Allegan County began offering drive-thru coronavirus testing
Saturday, May 30:
• 2 new Kalamazoo County cases
Sunday, May 31:
• 4 new Kalamazoo County cases
• 1 additional death related to coronavirus
Monday, June 1:
• 1 new Kalamazoo County case
• 2 additional deaths related to coronavirus
• Gov. Gretchen Whitmer lifted the stay-at-home order and will allow restaurants and other businesses to open with restrictions on crowd size.
Tuesday, June 2:
• 4 new Kalamazoo County cases
• 1 additional death related to coronavirus
A visual representation of the increasing case counts and death toll in Kalamazoo County is shown below, based on data reported by the state. Apparent conflicts in data reported there result from slight differences in daily case counts provided by state and county health officials.
Kalamazoo County cases
Statewide cases, deaths
Complete coverage of coronavirus in Michigan.
PREVENTION TIPS
In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and when you go into places like stores.
More Kalamazoo coronavirus coverage:
$7M economic impact predicted after coronavirus cancels dozens of sports events in Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo nurses concerned about reassignment to Detroit, a COVID-19 hotspot
Kalamazoo hospitals approved to add 405 beds for ‘patient surge’ during pandemic
Kalamazoo-area Meals on Wheels sees influx of clients during coronavirus emergency