Clinic Director Gretchen Carlton said Sunday the clinic will require patients to follow specific instructions for appointments.

“At this time, the Bobcat Clinic will be open March 16 - 19,” Carlton said.  “Physical health services will be available each day from 7:30 am - 11:00 am and 11:30 am - 4:00 pm. If you need an appointment, please call (870) 722-2733 and choose option 2 to speak with the receptionist.  You will be asked basic COVID-19 screening questions while scheduling your appointment.”

Symptomatic patients should call before arriving.

“If you are having symptoms, please do not come to the clinic as a walk-in patient,” Carlton said.  “Call from your vehicle first. This will allow Bobcat Clinic staff to come to your vehicle to perform certain test and screening to decrease the chance of possible exposure to others.”

Behavioral health services will not be available after 1 p.m. Monday, when classes dismiss for a mandatory closure of all Arkansas schools until March 30.

“Other arrangements will be made by ACaPs for services while the district is closed,” Carlton said. “These services will resume through the Bobcat Clinic on Monday, March 30.”

All Bobcat Clinic services will be suspended from March 20 until March 30, she said.

Carlton also asked that Hope Public Schools students, employees, and parents take common-sense precautionary steps.

“Please take time to read the 5 CDC facts below,” she said. “Good hand washing is one of your best defenses right now.”