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BERRIEN SPRINGS — The Berrien County Health Department is taking precautions to prevent against the spread of COVID-19 in southwest Michigan after a recent out-of-state visitor tested positive for the virus.

On March 8, gospel singer Sandi Patty performed a concert and hosted a VIP session with select individuals at Andrews University in Berrien Springs. Tuesday, Patty, of Oklahoma City, announced she had tested positive for COVID-19. Now, the health department is working to ensure the safety of those who may have come into contact with the virus via Patty’s visit.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the health department had collected samples from “a handful” of individuals who came into “close, personal contact with Patty, which can include handshaking and hugging, and are now exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, said Gillian Conrad, communications manager for the Berrien County Health Department. Those samples have been sent to a state facility to be tested for the virus, with results pending. All those tested have been Berrien County residents.

At this time, Conrad said it is unknown how many people may have been exposed to the virus as a result of this incident, but emphasized that most people who attended the concert are not at risk.

“Not everyone at the concert needs to consider themselves exposed,” Conrad said. “If people did not have close personal contact with this artist, especially if they are not experiencing symptoms, we are not recommending them for testing.”

Conrad asked that anyone who came into close, personal contact with Patty during her visit to Andrew’s University self-quarantine themselves and monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 until March 22. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Should anyone begin to exhibit symptoms, they should contact the health department.

Though Conrad said she understands many residents are scared or worried about their health at this time, she said she wanted to remind them that there are steps they can take to protect themselves. Those steps include washing hands often, avoiding touching the face, mouth, nose and eyes, staying home when sick, avoiding contact with those who are sick, and keeping a 6-foot distance from others when out in public.

“We need to be practicing good social distancing,” Conrad said.