Businesses, offices close lobbies again as local covid cases rise

As the number of positive and active covid numbers continues to rise in Ozark County, some area businesses have chosen to close their lobbies or offices to the public. 

Century Bank of the Ozarks announced last week that it is limiting access to its lobbies at all locations, including the Ozark County offices in Gainesville, Theodosia and Bakersfield. All staff members continue to work in the offices, and the bank is operating as usual otherwise. Drive-thru services also continue to operate. The closure is expected to last one to two weeks, officials say. Customers can make an appointment to visit loan officers or other personnel in person or to access a safe deposit box by calling the bank branches’ respective numbers: Gainesville, 417-679-3321; Theodosia, 417-273-4245; and Bakersfield, 417-684-3006. Customers can also bank-by-phone 24/7 by calling 1-800-632-3301. 

The Ozark County Health Department has closed its office to the public, but staff members are available by phone. The immunization clinics and appointments, as well as WIC appointments, have also been canceled at this time. OCHD staff expect to be able to call and reschedule those appointments in the near future. To connect with the OCHD, call the office at 417-679-3334. 

Ozark Hills Insurance has temporarily closed its office on the Gainesville square due to the rising number of covid cases. A sign on the business’ front door says the closure will last two weeks. The office is operating as usual except for the closed lobby. Customers can connect with office staff or make payments by phone by calling 417-679-3331. Payments can also be left in the drop box near the front door of the business. 

Gainesville City Hall is currently closed due to rising covid numbers and a remodeling project in the office’s front lobby. The closure will last at least through the end of September; city council members plan to revisit the issue at each month’s meeting. For more information or assistance, call City Hall at 417-679-4858 during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed from noon until 12:30 p.m. daily for lunch.) 

Court Square Pharmacy in Gainesville has continued to serve its customers through its drive-thru service only. The store’s lobby has been closed since March. Customers who need over-the-counter medication are asked to call 417-679-2650 before arriving, so staff can prepare the order.

The Ozark County Times lobby is currently open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Times staff members do ask customers to wear a mask when entering the lobby, but customers will not be turned away if they do not wear a mask. To contact the Times, call 417-679-4641 or email jessi@ozarkcountytimes.com. 

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423