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BERRIEN COUNTY — Precautions going into effect through the week in response to the COVID-19 virus have limited brick and mortar businesses from operating as usual. This has been seen the most with schools, restaurants, bars, movie theaters, performance venues, libraries and spas so far. The heavy restrictions have area organizations getting creative.

Utilizing social media, several Facebook groups have been created through the week to connect small businesses with their communities, as well as those providing aid to those in need. The Southwest Michigan Chamber of Commerce led the local charge on Monday when they launched the “Buy Local Berrien!” group on Facebook.

When business restrictions were handed down on Monday from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Arthur Havlicek had an idea. The CEO of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber works with local businesses to grow their businesses in their communities every day.

“Thankfully one of the good things about social media is that it allows you to connect without connecting,” Havlicek said.

That is when he created the Facebook group “Buy Local Berrien!” The page includes a hashtag, #BuyLocalBerrien, to help tag in other businesses and their offerings. The group grew rapidly, with more than 3,600 members as of publishing Thursday afternoon.

The group lists ways to support local businesses while not being able to shop or dine as usual during social distancing measures including buying from their websites, social media listings or Etsy pages. The page also includes live files that are being updated as information changes of restaurants providing carry out and curbside delivery, and lunch services for those 18 years and younger.

“This page can survive past this virus, which is nice,” Havlicek said. “It will remain an asset to the community and open to everybody. [We are trying to] use tools that we can to solve the problems that we have.”

By Thursday, a group specifically for Niles businesses was formed. “Shop Niles Businesses!” localized the format, inviting residents and businesses to share the group and use the hashtag #ShopNiles. Niles restaurants began populating the feed just hours after the group’s creation.

Business owners are not the only people that are finding value in connecting with their communities through social media.

Ayla Batton-Wyman, of Berrien County, launched a Facebook group called “SWMI Mutual Aid” on Saturday. In Batton-Wyman’s group, she looks to pool resources for those in need during the COVID-19 virus limitations.

“The bigger we are, the stronger we are. We just might help somebody else in search of assistance or mutual aid. I am working with a few folks today to take our organization to the next level and make sure those in need get help,” Batton-Wyman said in release from the group.

Since the group was created it has grown to a membership of more than 1,200.