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SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN — COVID-19 case numbers are continuing to rise in southwest Michigan.

As of 3 p.m. Friday, the number of confirmed positive cases in the state of Michigan had risen to 12,744, with 479 deaths.

Berrien County had 52 cases, Cass County had six and Van Buren County had 12. All three counties announced one death each this week due to COVID-19.

Nearby Kalamazoo County had 40 cases, and St. Joseph County had 10.

Berrien County has reported that 19 cases of COVID-19 have recovered.

Across state lines, Indiana has 3,437 total positive cases and 102 deaths as of 3 p.m. Friday. St. Joseph County, Indiana has 72 cases, and Elkhart County, Indiana has 29.

Officials with both the Berrien County Department and the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department encouraged all residents to keep following the basic prevention steps to prevent the spread of the virus:

• Wash hands often with soap and water
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
• Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• Avoid shaking hands
• Keep at least 6 feet apart from others when in public
• Avoid contact with people who are sick
• Stay home when sick