A Schuylkill County employee has once again tested positive for COVID-19.

A letter from Doreen Kutzler, interim human resources director, today does not identify the employee or the department.

“The county was notified this morning that an employee has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. Contact tracing has been completed by HR. At this time and specific to this situation, no other employees are required to quarantine. Per HIPPA guidelines, the county of Schuylkill will keep all medical information confidential and will only disclose it on a need-to-know basis.”

The letter provides guidance to employees and outlines steps the county is taking.

“Do not come to work if you are sick or if you have any signs or symptoms of illness including fever, cough, or shortness of breath,” the letter reads.

It says the safest way to avoid contracting COVID-19 is to “assume every person is a carrier. This means we must all vigorously practice social distancing at all times.”

Commissioner Barron “Boots” Hetherington had not read the letter as of Saturday afternoon.

“Maybe it’s time to crack down a little bit,” he said.

He urged people visiting the courthouse to consider if it is really necessary to visit.

“If you really don’t need to be in the courthouse, please don’t come in,” Hetherington said.

This isn’t the first time this week the human resource office has said there are positive cases of the COVID-19 among county employees. Kutzler said earlier this week “additional employees” have tested positive for the virus. The number of employees was not provided.

The county announced this month steps to combat the pandemic at the courthouse and ancillary buildings. President Judge William E. Baldwin also issued an order regarding requiring employees, county and judicial officials to be screened initially upon entering the courthouse. Actions by the county include contract tracing, consistent cleaning and disinfecting of common areas of the courthouse facilities, work spaces and others.

Commissioners voted earlier this month to spend $238,000 on plumbing and fixtures for county buildings to address COVID-19 concerns. Antz Energy Systems, Shenandoah, will do the work. COVID -19 funds will be used for the expense.