MARION COUNTY — The Marion County Health Department has announced at this time they will remain open to the public and their goal is to protect the health and safety of the community.

They say they need to keep the public immunized and the public relies on their lab program in order to get medications filled and refilled.

However, in order to protect their staff as well as the public, they are placing a limit of one person in their lobby at a time.

A sign will be posted on the front door of each office telling clients to call the office when they have arrived for their appointment and staff will let them know when to come into the office.

The number for the Centralia office is 618-532-6518 and the number for the Salem office is 618-548-3878.

The WIC program has been changed to over the phone appointments only and staff will bring vouchers out to the clients.

It should also be noted that if you are having symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough and/or shortness of breath, or have had direct contact with someone that has tested positive for COVID-19, please do not go into the public health office but instead contact your medical provider or do the free virtual COVID-19 evaluation online at ssmhealth.com.