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SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN — Though the rate of COVID-19 infections is declining across the state, southwest Michigan is still feeling the pandemic’s effects.

Tuesday, the Berrien County Health Department announced five additional COVID-19 deaths, bringing its total number of deaths to 47. Tuesday’s victims include one male in his 70s, one female in her 80s, two males in their 80s and one female in her 90s, all with multiple underlying medical conditions.

To date, Berrien County has seen 595 confirmed cases of COVID-19, an additional 188 presumed positive cases and 406 recoveries.

Also Tuesday, the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department reported Van Buren County had 126 confirmed COVID-19 cases, six deaths and 41 recoveries. Cass County reported 78 cases, two deaths and 24 recoveries.

Also Tuesday, the state of Michigan, which reported 55,104 COVID-19 cases, 5,266 related deaths and 33,168 recoveries, allowed retail businesses and auto dealerships to open by appointment only and to groups with 10 or fewer people. Friday, medical, dental and veterinary practices will be allowed to open for non-emergency procedures.