Kalamazoo County releases guide to reopening

Kalamazoo County’s Health and Community Services Department (KCHCS) on Monday released a handbook of guidance for businesses planning to reopen in the next few weeks.

The 89 page handbook features advice for employees as well as employers. It includes recommendations for acquiring Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), industry-specific guidance from the Michigan Economic Recovery Council, and employee mental health support.

“We know there is a lot of information out there,” said Jim Rutherford, Kalamazoo County’s health officer. “We felt it was important to let our partners know, from a public health perspective, what they should be considering and what they should expect from us at the Health & Community Services Department as we move to safely reopening our community.”

The county’s guidance does not supersede state guidance or mandates. Governor Gretchen Whitmer will ultimately decide what industries reopen and when.

You can download the full handbook here.

You can read more about Kalamazoo County’s coordinated COVID-19 response here.