Muskegon County officials made the move to close county and city offices and libraries as COVID-19 continues its spread. County departments will still be operational, but only with essential staff.
Muskegon will be functioning under an emergency operation plan that allows the county to coordinate emergency services and other agencies in the area. Essential personnel will continue to work during the shutdown. Some departments may have a change of hours while others will continue operating as usual.
“We couldn’t go halfway on this... so the decision was made to shut down,” said Muskegon County Prosecutor D.J. Hilson, according to MLive.
The situation is fluid, but the current closings are as follows: All Muskegon County offices, including the courthouse, will be closed at least through April 5. Muskegon City Hall will be closed at least until April 13. Hackley Public Library will be closed at least until April 4.
Muskegon Area District Library has 10 local branches, including Dalton, Egelston, Holton, Montague, Muskegon Heights, Muskegon Township, North Muskegon, Ravenna and the Library for the Visually and Physically Disabled. They will be closed "until further notice.” Updates about the library system will be posted at Muskegon Area District Library.
All K-12 schools, colleges and universities and public gatherings of 10 or more have been halted to help staunch the spread of COVID-19. Health officials are urging frequent hand-washing and social distancing.
There were at least 549 confirmed cases in Michigan, but none in Muskegon County, as of March 20.
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