(KAIR)--Atchison City Offices will be available to customers by appointment only, beginning on Monday, November 9th.

That word coming in a press release issued by the city just before noon on Friday.

The release cites the continued rise in COVID-19 cases in Atchison County as the reason behind the operational change.

The city is asking that customers complete as much business as possible online, over the phone, or by using the City’s drop box at the front entrance of city hall.

The city’s web site is cityofatchison.com.

For cash payments, residents are asked to use the drop box at city hall.

If you need to meet in person with a city staff member, please call 913-367-5500 to schedule an appointment.

All emergency and essential services will continue as usual, but public interaction will be limited at these facilities.

The city asks that the public avoid the fire and police departments, in order to protect the health and safety of local first responders.