COVID Outbreak Temporarily Shuts Down Mecklenburg Courthouse

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, NC — Court proceedings at Mecklenburg County Courthouse were canceled for at least two days this week due to a COVID-19 outbreak among court employees that left dozens in quarantine, the 26th Judicial District of North Carolina announced.

The temporary closure, which is expected to last through at least Tuesday, Aug. 10, includes all sessions of district and superior court with limited exceptions.

The decision to close down court proceedings was made after five courthouse employees tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend. At least 29 employees have been told to quarantine, and "a number of others have reported symptoms of COVID-19 and are awaiting test results," according to court officials.

Key court officials are expected to meet Tuesday and, in consultation with Mecklenburg County Public Health Director Gibbie Harris, determine the full extent of the outbreak to determine whether court proceedings may resume Aug. 11.

SEE ALSO: Mecklenburg County Workers Now Required To Wear Masks Indoors

Here's a rundown of court activities during the courthouse closure, according to the 26th Judicial District of NC:

• First appearance hearings will be heard remotely via WebEx in Courtroom 4150
• Felony probation cause hearings will be heard as scheduled in Superior Court
• All secured custody hearings scheduled will be heard remotely via WebEx using the link for Courtroom 8390
• Ex parte requests for temporary domestic violence protective orders, motions for temporary injunctive relief, and motions for non-secure custody of a juvenile should be made before a district court judge assigned to the Public Window in the Mecklenburg County jail
• All persons seeking to file legal documents may use the secure receptacle designated by the Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court or submit their filings by mail.
• Jurors scheduled to report on Aug. 9 and Aug. 10 are excused
• Jurors currently serving on a trial should not return to the Courthouse until Aug. 11, unless otherwise notified.

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