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DOWAGIAC — To protect the public’s health and reduce the spread of COVID-19, Van Buren/Cass District Health Department has made temporary adjustments to public services offered in Van Buren and Cass County.

Important updates to note include:

• All individuals visiting the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department will receive a health risk assessment (questionnaire) and temperature check prior to entering the building.

• All community dental clinics are closed for preventative and restorative care appointments and will tentatively reopen Monday, April 6.

• Emergency dental care is available at all three locations (57418 CR 681, Hartford, 302 S. Front St., Dowagiac, 23200 Red Arrow Hwy., Mattawan). Individuals in need of care should call 800-210-1921 to schedule an appointment as hours may vary.

• All other public health services (immunizations; STD testing/treatment; CSHCS; TB contact investigations; water and septic inspections; and food permits) are operating as usual. Visit vbcasshd.org for more information about how to access local public health services.

For general questions regarding COVID-19, individuals are encouraged to visit vbcassdhd.org/covid-19, or call the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 hotline at 888-535-6136. This hotline is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days per week.

“As you know, the COVID-19 outbreak is a fluid, rapidly evolving situation and we are regularly receiving ongoing guidance and information from MDHHS and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention,” said Jeff Elliott, health officer/administrator with VBCDHD. “We are committed to responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and providing our community, school, healthcare and government leaders with updated information so informed decisions can be made.”