WEST MICHIGAN — Ottawa and Muskegon counties are among the latest to change how municipal services are delivered to residents as a result of surging COVID-19 cases.
Ottawa County will begin requiring appointments Tuesday for in-person transactions.
Many services can be conducted online, by phone, via email or other means.
A secure drop box is also available outside the Fillmore Administration Building in West Olive.
“Locally, we have seen a marked increase in COVID-19 cases, positivity rates, hospitalizations and deaths,” said Shannon Felgner, Ottawa County communications manager. “A move to appointment-based services and minimizing in-person transactions is important to keep the county workforce healthy, safe and able to respond to community needs, including emergencies. We are still staffed and serving residents. We have some employees working from home, other offices are staggering shifts or taking other steps to continue working safely.”
In Muskegon County, officials will reinstate limited access to county offices beginning Wednesday, so that residents will need to make appointments for in-person services.
County departments that conduct 24/7 operations will not be affected.