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SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN — COVID-19 cases are continuing to rise in the state of Michigan, with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reporting 28,059 cases and 1,921 deaths as of Wednesday.

As of 3 p.m. Wednesday, Berrien County’s COVID-19 case count had risen to 123, with seven deaths reported as a result of the virus. Of Berrien County’s cases, 70 individuals had recovered, according to the Berrien County Health Department.

Cass County reported 17 cases and one death, while Van Buren County reported 26 cases and two deaths due to COVID-19.

Wednesday afternoon, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer hosted a press conference regarding the pandemic. Earlier in the day, several thousand individuals from across the state, including from Berrien and Cass counties, participated in a protest in Lansing to oppose heavy restrictions imposed by the governor’s latest “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order.

While Whitmer said she understand her constituents’ frustrations, she emphasized the importance of staying home to slow the virus’ spread. She added that lifting restrictions too early could lead to a second-wave of the virus.

“We are going to get there. We are going to get through this,” she said. “It’s going to take some time, and it won’t all happen overnight, but we will get there if we are smart, we do what we need to do and everyone plays their part. We have to mitigate risk. While we will be reunited with friends and loved ones again, it is important that we continue to double down on our efforts.”