By Ray King
Jefferson County Judge Gerald Robinson has issued an order closing the county courthouse effective Tuesday April 7 and lasting through Friday April 24.
“County leaders and emergency management staff are constantly monitoring developments and strategizing about additional steps needed to protect the public,” Robinson said in the memo.
In a memo to county officials, department heads, county employees and the public, Robinson said some county employees have already had to be quarantined and “we want to do our best to limit the risk of potential exposure to COVID-19.”
He said during the closure, county employees are expected to continue to practice social distancing, not gather in crowds of 10 or more and exercise frequent handwashing.
Robinson said the courthouse is scheduled to reopen April 27 for county employees but access will remain limited to the public.
“We encourage you to stay at home and only leave if absolutely necessary,” Robinson said in the memo. “If you do venture into public spaces, we strongly encourage you to wear masks or protective face gear.”
Robinson said that even though the building will be closed, county departments will still be operational online and by phone, and courts will continue to function online.
The memo also said that the Quorum Court Committee meetings and regular Quorum Court meetings will be held Tuesday, April 7 at 5:30 p.m. in the first-floor lobby of the courthouse. Elected officials, essential staff and the media will have their temperature taken and answer questions related to COVID-19 before being allowed into the courthouse and social distancing protocols will be followed. Public access to the meetings will be restricted as a precautionary measure to protect public health.
Also according to the memo, Arkansas law does not permit Quorum Court meetings by phone or teleconference.
A recording of the meetings will be available on the county website, www.JeffersonCountyAR.gov
