Community Status - September 2020

Under the Safe Start Order, starting July 31, 2020, Executive Order 2020-160 limits statewide indoor gatherings to 10 people or less and, limits outdoor gatherings to 100.  Individuals are required to wear a face covering whenever they are in an indoor public space. It also requires the use of face coverings in crowded outdoor spaces. Most significantly, the order requires any business that is open to the public to refuse entry or service to people who refuse to wear a face covering, with limited exceptions.  Under the governor’s order, businesses that are open to the public must refuse entry and service to individuals who fail to comply, and must post signs at all entrances instructing customers of their legal obligation to wear a face covering while inside.  Exemptions from wear a mask in Michigan businesses include:  

• People younger than five years old 
• Those who cannot medically tolerate a face covering
• Those who are eating or drinking while seated at a food service establishment 

Governor Whitmer Signs Order Reopening Gyms and Pools.  "Under Executive Order 2020-175, all gyms and pools that reopen must enforce strict safety measures. Gyms must require wearing of masks at all times, including times of exercise, configure workout stations or implement protocols to enable six feet of distance between individuals during exercise sessions, reduce class sizes to enable at least six feet of separation between individuals, provide equipment-cleaning products throughout the gym, and more." 

We encourage you to contact lodging and local businesses ahead of your visit to the South Haven area for specific details, safety protocols and up to date hours of operation. 

Listed below is information you may find helpful as you plan your trip:

• Our NEW splash pad is open, located near South Beach! This is a great alternative water play environment for small children and families. 

• The South Haven Chamber of Commerce is coordinating local information regarding our community response including a list of business resources and can be found at: https://www.southhavenmi.com/covid-19.  

• All area beaches are open!  Due to high water conditions, a water barrier had to be installed at our South Beach to protect an underground fresh water storage bladder from erosion concerns.  However, the beach is still open and the Lake is still accessible.  You can check out the current beach conditions at South Beach here.  North Beach is a great alternative with lots of sugar sand beach area and shoreline to spread out.  All South and North beach concession and restroom facilities are also open.  Rentals of kayaks and standup paddleboards are available at South and North beaches, as well as Black River park.

• Here is the status of local businesses in the area:  All lodging properties are open and allowed to welcome leisure travelers.  All have put safety procedures and protocols to protect their visitors and staffs.  We encourage you to check with your property of choice to review their procedures.  In addition, local shops and attractions are open and glad to have you back! Some shops and attractions are requiring face coverings and may limit the number of in-store guests at any one time. 

• For those of you looking to get out on the water, there are many ways to enjoy the beauty of the Harbor and Lake including boat rentals, fishing charters and on-water cruises.  We encourage you to contact businesses directly for protocols and schedules as some have changed in response to the Covid-19 concerns.

• Trails and State Parks are open for day use and provide a great way to get out and enjoy nature.  Click here for a listing of local land and water based trails.  The Van Buren State Park is open for overnight camping.

• If you are in need of local testing, the State has set up a website for local testing locations for the Coronavirus. Click here for details.

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact us at any time.
  - Your friends at the South Haven/Van Buren County Convention & Visitors Bureau.