Two employees with the Hall County Clerk of Courts office have tested positive for COVID-19, nearly two weeks after all office employees were instructed to undergo testing.
The decision to have all office employees tested came after Clerk of Courts Charles Baker learned he had previously been a carrier of the virus.
"I tested positive two weeks ago, but positive for the virus antibodies," stated Mr. Baker. "I never exhibited symptoms, and a follow-up test revealed that I did not have an active infection."
Margie Reed-Payne, Courts Coordinator for the Northeastern Judicial Circuit, detailed the nature of the two positive tests in a press release sent out Monday evening.
"Two employees who have tested positive may have had contact with the public," Reed-Payne said. "The first, a supervisor in the main office, was last at work on June 25. The second, a supervisor in the Deed Room, was last at work on June 24."
Anyone that visited the Clerk's office or Deed Room on those dates is encouraged to call Court Administration at 770-532-1895 with any questions they may have.
A number of disinfection efforts were undertaken after the positive test results came back, and there will be enhanced screen protections moving forward.
"The Clerk's offices, Deed Room, and courthouse entrances have been cleaned and disinfected since the exposure, and courthouse deputies are continuing to screen all entrants with a no-contact thermometer," Reed-Payne said. "Persons with a fever, or any other COVID-19 symptom, are not permitted to enter."
Mask are also required for anyone entering the building.
As a result of the positive tests, Hall County State Court arraignments for July 13-17 and July 20-23 have been cancelled, and will be rescheduled for a later date.
