The health department is making several changes to the way it provides services during the COVID-19 stay-at-home order that began March 24 and ends on April 24.

During this time, the health department building is closed to walk-in services. Food handlers, food managers, and pool operator classes are canceled. Food handler cards are not being processed at this time.

To enter the building and receive services, individuals must first call the health department to schedule an appointment.

The health department is also limiting the appointment-only services it provides. Only vital immunizations will be available to those who call ahead to discuss their immunization schedule and the urgency to get their vaccination at 816-513-6108.

Birth and death certificates will still be available, but again, people are required to call ahead. They will need to answer staff questions to ensure the need is time-sensitive and that they have all the required documents at 816-513-6309.

The Sexual Health Clinic will continue to provide its essential services, but only by appointment. Call ahead at 816-513-6379 to speak with a nurse.

For further information on the Tuberculosis Clinic, people should call 816-513-6110.

The health department has closed its Travel Immunization Clinic, Child Immunization Clinic, and the Immigration Clinic until further notice.

Visitors and other family members should not accompany the person seeking services unless they are a partner also needing services.

When making an appointment, the health department asks for understanding as our health and nursing staff will need to determine if the need for services is urgent or if it can wait until the COVID-19 stay-at-home order is lifted. Mayor Quinton Lucas will review the order before April 24 and decide it should be extended.

Clients with an appointment will be greeted at the entrance by health department staff to verify appointments and check each person’s temperature with a forehead thermometer. Anyone with a temperature above 100.3 will not be allowed in the building.