The Erie County COVID information line was officially shut down Thursday, after nearly two and a half years of service.

The decision comes as the county health department says the number of calls to the line continue to decline.

"Our call takers had to be responsive and informed, even at times where the information that we had changed from day to day and hour to hour," said Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein. "They became subject matter experts, problem solvers, and a calm voice on the other end of the line during uncertain times."

The health department started the service at the beginning of the pandemic. It gave information on testing sites, vaccination clinics and answered general COVID questions.

The line will now have a recorded message redirecting callers to the health department website for COVID information. Callers seeking a duplicate vaccine record card or with Excelsior Pass issues will also have an option to transfer for assistance. Callers looking to schedule a Vax Visit will go to a live operator.

The county says the info line can be reactivated if necessary.