Carbon County has instituted a more thorough procedure when people are entering the courthouse or one of the county facilities.

On Thursday, Captain Dan Zeigler of the sheriff’s department reported the changes, effective immediately after several county employees were potentially exposed to COVID-19 while in the courthouse.

Zeigler said that last Friday, two deputies, as well as office staff came in contact with a person in the courthouse who was in quarantine because a family member had tested positive for COVID-19.

“Someone came in and did not report symptoms (to deputies at the entrance of the courthouse),” he said. “When they were in the building in an office, they reported they were in quarantine.

“When we learned that information, we notified everybody and followed the procedures in place with sending those employees home and requiring them to get tested.”

Additional protocols are now in place for the public and all county employees as a safety measure.

Zeigler said that at all county facilities, as well as the magistrates’ offices, people will be asked four questions regarding their exposure to COVID-19 and any symptoms they may have. If someone answers yes to any of the questions, deputies will ask further questions.

“If someone has a cough, we may ask if you have allergies or are a smoker because having a cough, although it is a symptom of COVID, may not mean that they are positive,” Zeigler said.

In addition, the person’s temperature will also be taken, and if it is above 100.4, they will be denied entry and instructed to call the office they were there to see, whether it be probation, the prothonotary or any office.

If they are there for a court proceeding, the court administration will also be called.

After these phone calls take place, the person may be asked to come back another day.

“This was put out to all deputies and security staff and it seems to be working well,” Zeigler said. “It doesn’t seem to be slowing down anything as far as traffic flow, but we will continue to monitor that and adjust accordingly.”

Commissioner Rocky Ahner said that the county is just trying to stay ahead of the virus and make it safe for people to do business in the offices.

He thanked the sheriff’s department for making the necessary changes.

Commissioners’ Chairman Wayne Nothstein also issued a warning to the public and county employees.

“We have to reiterate it,” he said. “If you have the symptoms beforehand or are in contact with someone who tested positive or if you have tested positive, do not even come to the courthouse or any of the county facilities. Same goes for visitors and employees. …

“We have been very lucky so far but the public and department heads and employees have to understand … if you are exposed do not come to the county facilities, and notify those who you were supposed to have a meeting with or the court. Please call before if you are in doubt at all.”