COLDWATER – Until further notice, Branch County government boards will be holding their meetings virtually.

Branch County Administrator Bud Norman issued a statement that says effective immediately, Branch County is going to transition temporarily to virtual meetings. Norman says he will keep the departments updated on when they can move back to the hybrid model for meetings.

Norman says this is being done because of the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Branch County over the last few weeks. According to the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency, between July 21 and July 27, there were a total of 106 new positive cases. Branch County is seeing the largest increase in positive cases with 76 during that time. Hillsdale County has 17 new cases and St. Joseph County has 13 new cases.

As a result of this increase, the CDC lists Branch County as High Risk for Community Transmission, which is the highest risk factor category used by the CDC.