A third deputy in the Schuylkill County Sheriff’s Department has tested positive for COVID-19.

Chief Deputy Brian Tobin said Monday he received a phone call Saturday from the employee, who was among those who quarantined because of the positive test of another deputy.

“We have three positive and five in quarantine,” Tobin said.

He said the employees are not hospitalized.

Doreen Kutzler, interim human resources director, did not return calls for comment. However, in a press release Monday morning, she confirmed “additional employees have tested positive” for the virus.

Commissioner Barron “Boots” Hetherington referred questions to Kutzler. County Administrator Gary Bender did not return calls for comment.

The news of the third deputy with the virus comes after an employee in the tax assessment office tested positive for the virus, Bender said before.

Kutzler said previously the county is taking steps to combat the virus at the courthouse and ancillary buildings. Those actions include contract tracing and cleaning of facilities and workspaces.

“The county is also in the process of contracting a professional, third party cleaning company to provide additional cleaning/disinfecting of common areas including, but not limited to: restrooms, the Canteen, ATM, hallways, benches, stairwells, elevators, breakrooms, board/conference rooms, etc.”

Kutzler said the county hopes to get a third party cleaning company “as soon as possible.”

Hetherington said previously COVID-19 funds could be used.

Employees are advised to contact human resources and their health care provider if they experience any symptoms of respiratory illness. Medical information and records are confidential per law. County employees and visitors are reminded to adhere to social distancing, wear a mask and wash hands often.

Clerk of Courts Maria Casey said she was not surprised to learn of more virus confirmations.

“There will be hundreds if they do not invoke proper contract tracing and preventative measures,” Casey said.

She sent an email Monday to Kutzler, commissioners, Bender, solicitor Alvin Marshall and others asking where the employees are located.

“We must know the location in order to properly do contract tracing. Also, will the county be providing free tests? Having spoken with health care professionals, they recommend numerous companies including Curative. This is a saliva swabbing system that is not invasive and normally provided to employees on a weekly basis,” Casey wrote.

She suggested the millions of dollars the county has for COVID -19 could be used.

Casey has been vocal in her comments about how the county is informing people about positive test results of those with COVID-19. For example, she said department heads several months ago were told they would be “immediately” notified of positive test results. She said Bender was the one who said it. Casey said she learned of the tax assessment case after someone told her.