The following are some of the changes to local agencies, organizations and services announced Wednesday.

Sheriff alters services, closes office to public

Beginning Wednesday, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office will be closed to the public, though staff continues to work, according to Clark County Sheriff Berl Perdue Jr. The new efforts are designed to guard against further spread of the virus and protect the office’s employees, he said.

“Non-priority calls may be handled by phone or limited contact upon deputy discretion,” Perdue said. “Priority or emergency calls will take precedence with limited interaction and social distancing in mind.”

The changes include:

— The office is closed to walk-in business transactions. Tax payments may be left in the box outside the office.

— All services for concealed weapons have been suspended. Applications can be completed online at kentuckystatepolice.org/ccdw/ccdw-home.

— Vehicle inspections can be scheduled by calling dispatch at 745-7400.

— Case or collision reports can be obtained by calling the sheriff’s office at 744-4390 or going to www.buycrimes.com/Public/Home.aspx.

— Reports may be taken over the phone.

CRMC revises visitor policy

Clark Regional Medical Center announced plans to close all entrances except the main entrance and the emergency room and to screen everyone entering the facility.

A statement from the hospital said the new procedures would take effect immediately.

The main entrance to the hospital will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., while the ER entrance will remain open 24 hours a day.

Clinic Building A will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Building B will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and closed Saturday and Sunday.

Everyone entering the facility, including employees, patients and the allowed one well visitor, will be asked about respiratory symptoms and travel history, as recommended by the Kentucky Department for Public Health guidelines, according to the hospital.

The screening may include taking the person’s temperature, further questions or being asked to return at a later time.

The screening process will apply to those entering the two clinic facilities as well.

The hospital is also restricting visitors from the transitional care unit, except for patients receiving end-of-life care.

“We know that these increased precautions may seem concerning,” LifePoint Health Market President William Haugh said in the statement. “We do not want to cause alarm — but we do want to send a clear message to our community that we are prepared, responding appropriately and are committed to protecting the well-being of our patients, visitors, employees and community.”

Transit, commuter service suspended

Kentucky River Foothills has suspended its transit service in Winchester along with its commuter route to Lexington, effective today.

The announcement was made Wednesday morning by the organization

Kentucky River Foothills public information officer Karen Atkins said the decision follows new guidelines from Medicaid.

The service will still offer limited service to dialysis patients or those with medical needs, but service will only be offered on a one-to-one basis, with one driver and one passenger in the vehicle, Atkins said.

The medical service, she said, is not new. Anyone with a health-related transportation emergency can call 859-624-3236 or 800-819-7083.

KRF has also suspended several routes in Madison County and its outreach offices.

“Our main priority is the health and safety of our staff, clients and communities,” the statement said. “Thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.”