Lansing city offices, with exception of clerk, will be open by appointment only through Jan. 11

LANSING — Because of the COVID-19 pandemic City Hall and most other city buildings will be open to the public by appointment only through at least Jan. 11, under an executive order signed Friday by Lansing Mayor Andy Schor. 

An exception: The city clerk's office inside City Hall and any satellite clerk's offices, where people may register to vote and request and fill out absentee ballots, will remain open without an appointment. The clerk's office inside City Hall is open for voter registration until polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3.

Crimes can be reported without an appointment by going to the Lansing Police Department lobby and using the red phone. You may also report a crime online or by calling 517-483-4600.

More: Schor's predecessor Virg Bernero criticizes city over transparency in jail death

Access to city buildings has been restricted since mid-March with many Lansing employees working remotely. City Council has been hosting virtual public meetings. 

“The number of positive cases of COVID-19 continues to rise in Ingham County and restricting the number of people in city facilities will help keep both our city employees and residents healthy,” Schor said in a statement. “We continue to monitor the situation and will reevaluate when City facilities can safely reopen to the public in the new year.” 

Related: As COVID cases surge, Lansing sets $500 civil fine for violating health orders

Contact reporter Sarah Lehr at slehr@lsj.com Follow her on Twitter @SarahGLehr.