The Grand River and Blue Bridge in downtown Grand Rapids. /Experience Grand Rapids
Kent County Health Department urges vigilance as county’s decline in new COVID-19 cases begins to plateau
The downward trend of new COVID-19 cases in Kent County is flattening, Kent County Health Department’s Director, Dr. Adam London, said on Wednesday.
In the Kent County Health Department’s (KCHD) video update, London shared the county’s latest COVID-19 data, which show the continued decline of new cases leveling off around June 10.
Between May 2 and June 10, Kent County saw a gradual decline of 161 new cases per day on average to 26.
“However, two weeks later, between June 10 and June 24, we're still averaging in the 20s day over day with new cases,” London said. “We have seen that downward trend slow down or kind of flatline now, so that’s a bit of a concern.”
London acknowledged the recent resurgence of new COVID-19 cases across parts of the U.S., with states like Texas and Arizona seeing a spike in daily averages of new cases.
“Fortunately that's not happening here in Kent County, or in Michigan overall,” London continued. Kent County’s daily numbers are merely at a plateau, for now.
“We do need to remain vigilant. We do need to recognize that we're not through with this. It's not through with us either. And we are in a weak position, or in a position where this could have a resurgence, if we're not careful.”
To stay on top of reducing the spread of COVID-19 in the area, London encouraged residents to continue practicing physical distancing, wearing face coverings in public, and getting tested if showing symptoms or living in at-risk neighborhoods. He also announced a free community testing day on June 29 from 2-7pm, at LINC UP on Grand Rapids’ southeast side.
More free COVID-19 testing locations are listed on the KCHD’s website.
Grand Rapids Public Library launches GRPL To Go curbside pickup service
Curbside pickup of library materials will be available at Grand Rapids’ public libraries starting Monday, the Grand Rapids Public Library (GRPL) announced.
Called “GRPL To Go,” the new service is part of Phase II of the GRPL’s reopening plan. GRPL buildings have been closed to the public since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic and won’t open inside until Phase III of its plan; a date not yet determined.
“While our buildings are closed to the public, you can browse our online catalog and reserve books, CDs, DVDs, and more for pick up at any of our library locations,” the GRPL said on its Facebook page. “As a special bonus to our patrons, we’ve increased the number of holds available at a time. Now, you can have up to 25 items on holds at a time.”
GRPL To Go is a contactless service. If residents are in cars, GRPL staff will confirm their names, place items on a table by their parking spots, and let them pick up the items off of the table. For residents walking up to the front door, staff will confirm their names and place items on the counter at the walk-up window.
More details about the GRPL To Go service are available on the GRPL’s website.
Grand Rapids Pride Festival 2020 cancelled over pandemic concerns
Another COVID cancellation added to the list: the 2020 Grand Rapids Pride Festival.
Held every summer in Grand Rapids since 1988, the Pride Festival celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, its diversity, and empowerment. It’s also the Grand Rapids Pride Center’s (GRPC) largest fundraising event, bringing support to its programs, such as support groups and therapy assistance, resources, such as health screenings and sensitivity trainings, and more.
The event was planned for August 1 after being rescheduled from its June 20 date in light of the pandemic. The GRPC plans to bring it back next year on June 19, 2021.
More details about the Grand Rapids Pride Festival are available on the GRPC’s website.
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