By Joe Johnson
Western Judicial Circuit Superior Court Chief Judge Eric Norris on Wednesday issued an order declaring a judicial emergency and the immediate closure of the Athens-Clarke County Courthouse until Monday, July 20.
The closure is due to a sheriff’s deputy who regularly worked in the East Washington Street courthouse testing positive for COVID-19.
In response, county staff will coordinate a thorough cleaning of the courthouse.
When the court reopens, it will do so on a minimum basis to address essential functions, and in particular to give priority to matters necessary to protect health, safety, and liberty of individuals as outlined in the Supreme Court of Georgia’s March 14, 2020 Order Declaring Statewide Judicial Emergency and subsequent orders.