Changes are being instituted at the Schuylkill County Courthouse to protect the public and employees from exposure to COVID-19.

Schuylkill County Commissioner Barron “Boots” Hetherington said President Judge William E. Baldwin met with the commissioners, County Administrator Gary Bender, Doreen Kutzler, interim human resources director and Lois Wallauer, district court administrator, Wednesday to find out what steps can be taken to continue to address the ongoing threat the pandemic is having in the county.

Five virus cases were reported this week at the courthouse.

“We don’t want to close the courthouse,” Hetherington said, adding they would like to keep it open.

He said Baldwin asked what are the essential services that must be provided to the public.

Hetherington said Baldwin and Bender will reach out to the court and row offices about such measures.

“The idea is to minimize the exposure to our employees (and the public),” Hetherington said.

Information should be submitted to Kutzler today, Hetherington said.

He said Theresa Santai Gaffney and Brenda Zeckman, director veterans affairs for Schuylkill County, are among those who have instituted changes.

Santai Gaffney said those include marriage certifications being available by calling the office at 570-628-1377. Payment is accepted by credit card or money order.

Probate services and marriage licenses are available using virtual options including Zoom, Facetime, video conferencing and messenger, according to a information provided on the county website, co.schuylkill.pa.us.

“This process allows us to witness the swearing in oath and verify necessary signatures: we require you to to email or fax the documents 48 hours prior to the scheduled appointment. Documents will be prepared and mailed or placed in the mailbox,” the website says.

The office is still open by appointment only.

Additonal information is available on the county website.

Read the Times News Saturday for more.