Community Status - October, 2020

Known for gorgeous sunsets, amazing lodging, quaint downtown area, walkability and of course, all the trails, South Haven also hosts many amazing festivals and events.  With gathering restrictions due to COVID, most events have been cancelled or postponed.  Please check the events link on our website and be sure to reach out to the individual group responsible for each for the most current information.  Most shops and restaurants remain open - please call them directly before your visit for current hours of operation. 

Under Executive Order 2020-183, instead of being limited to 10 people, non-residential indoor gatherings and events now must limit attendance to 20 people per 1,000 square feet or 20 percent of fixed seating capacity, with a maximum of 500 people in Michigan’s largest venues. Non-residential indoor venues must require a face covering. Instead of being limited to 100 people, non-residential outdoor gatherings and events now must limit attendance to 30 people per 1,000 square feet or 30 percent of fixed seating capacity, with a maximum of 1,000 people.  

Beginning October 9, a number of previously closed businesses are slated to reopen statewide, including indoor theaters, cinemas, performance venues, arcades, bingo halls, bowling centers, indoor climbing facilities, trampoline parks, and more.  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 

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

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.  The beach is still open and the Lake is still accessible.  You can view the live webcam at South Beach here.  

As we’ve moved into the fall season, most local businesses in the area are still open.  Again, we encourage you to call to confirm current hours.  All lodging properties are open and allowed to welcome leisure travelers.  All have safety procedures and protocols to protect their visitors and staff.  We encourage you to check with your property of choice to review their procedures.   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.

Feel free to give us a call at 269-637-5252 and we’ll be happy to assist or click here to contact us.  We look forward to welcoming you!  

  - Your friends at the South Haven/Van Buren County Convention & Visitors Bureau.