Gilmer County’s courthouse and offices reopened to the public on Monday following a cleaning.
The facility was officially closed to the public on Wednesday, July 8, because of a local spike in COVID-19 (coronavirus) diagnosis.
“We had people who were testing positive and people who were exposed to people who tested positive,” said Gilmer County Chairman Charlie Paris.
Chief Judge Brenda Weaver issued the order closing the courthouse and rescinded the order Monday. Paris said she has actual control of the courthouse but keeps him in the loop.
While it was closed the courthouse was cleaned in sanitized in all areas where people are allowed. Initially cleaning was to be done by the National Guard.
“That was our first thought,” Paris said.
Because of time constraints, a contractor was brought in to clean and sanitize the facility at a cost of $5,550.
Paris said each elected official determines the protocol for the public entering their offices.
According to a judicial order declaring a judicial emergency until Aug. 11, all those entering the courthouse must have their temperatures taken. Anyone whose temperature registers over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit will be denied entry.
All those who enter the courthouse are required to use hand sanitizer upon entry.
Social distancing and a maximum of 10 people are allowed in the courtrooms, excluding the bailiff, court security, court reporter and judge.
Masks are required in the courtrooms according to the order, signed by Judge Weaver.
Paris said the county commission offices and the road department offices are still closed to the public. He said test results for the virus are still pending in the road department office and he is being proactive with the commission office since most business can be done over the phone.
As of July 13, the Georgia Department of Public Health was reporting 257 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Gilmer County with 26 hospitalizations and two deaths. This is an increase of 52 cases in two weeks.