KALAMAZOO, MI -- A Kalamazoo “police zone” appears to have worked to prevent large St. Patrick’s Day parties as concerns about coronavirus COVID-19 continue across the country.

Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officers set up a perimeter in a neighborhood near West Michigan Avenue on Saturday, March 14 to prevent large gatherings that would exceed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s ban on gatherings of more than 250.

Police set up barricades and intended to check identification to verify the business or residency of people trying to enter the zone.

Updated maps: Michigan coronavirus cases and exposure sites

As of 6 p.m. Saturday, there were no reports of disruptions.

“Our goal is to prohibit a large gathering in order to protect the safety of our students, visitors and our first-responders,” Kalamazoo Public Safety Chief Karianne Thomas said Friday. “We are all trying to slow the spread of COVID-19."

So far in Michigan, there are 25 presumptive positive cases of coronavirus COVID-19.

PREVENTION TIPS

Michigan’s State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips:

What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases:

· Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.

· Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same.

· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

· Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

· Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available.

· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (computers, keyboards, desks, etc.).

· It’s not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season.

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