IRON MOUNTAIN — Following suit with the federal and state governments, Dickinson County is declaring a local state of emergency in response to the coronavirus.

Although there are no known cases in the county, the declaration is a proactive measure to inform state and federal officials that additional resources may be needed, said Pete Schlitt, emergency services coordinator.

“It may assist us in several different things, including staffing,” he told the county board at a special meeting Monday afternoon at the correctional center.

The board’s declaration could help the county gain access to personal protective equipment for law enforcement and additional staffing for the Dickinson-Iron District Health Department, Schlitt said.

Daren Deyaert, health department director, said the agency is working with Schlitt to designate a number of needs.

“There are (no infections) in the U.P. that we’re aware of, but we need to get ready,” Deyaert said.

Commissioner John Degenaer Jr. asked if the current state-ordered school closure might extend beyond April 5, and Schlitt speculated it will.

“It’s probably going to last longer than that,” he said, noting there are many uncertainties.

Commissioner Joe Stevens thanked Schlitt and other officials for initiating the county’s resolution. “We have to deal on a day-to-day basis,” he said.

While the courthouse remains open, the county encourages people to conduct business by mail or telephone as much as possible, Controller Brian Bousley said.

Sheriff Scott Rutter said additional precautions are in place for the correctional center, including the inmate population, and the department will place updates on its Facebook page.

County meetings will continue, for now, under guidelines to restrict and discourage public gatherings.

“Keep people separated,” Schlitt said, “but government still has to go on.”

Judges are complying with recommendations of the Michigan Supreme Court to adjourn through April 10 both civil jury trials and criminal jury trials in which the defendant is out of bond. Among other steps, courts are trying to maximize the use of technology to enable parties in many proceedings to participate remotely.