Benton Harbor city officials are doing what they can to protect residents during the COVID-19 outbreak. At a Tuesday press conference, Mayor Marcus Muhammad noted the city is suspending water shutoffs and reconnecting those who already had their water shut off. Above all, he urged discipline for everyone.
“I think the clarion call was that we make sure we follow the guidelines, we adhere to the executive orders, and that we remain flexible,” Muhammad said.
That means don’t go out if you’re sick, wash your hands frequently, don’t cough in the open, and avoid contact with others. Benton Harbor Public Safety Director Dan McGinnis said police are still responding to calls, although dispatch is asking more questions to ensure officers don’t walk into a hazardous situation. He said response in such situations remains fluid.
“We don’t necessarily have right now in place a protocol if we do come across somebody who may be infected,” McGinnis said. “That is something we are working with the sheriff’s department and we’re working very closely with the health department.”
McGinnis said the department has personal protective gear for those situations on order. Benton Harbor City Manager Ellis Mitchell also said, for now, city hall is remaining open.
