Source: Taylor County Commissioner's Court
TAYLOR COUNTY, Texas — Taylor County Commissioners passed a resolution on Tuesday that extends the closure to public access to the Taylor County courthouses and offices until April 30.
The commissioners cite the extension as taking "extraordinary measures to prevent the spread of [COVID-19] in our community."
Public correspondence with the County will be handled exclusively by phone, mail, online or appointment for the next 15 days.
Original Story (March 20):
ABILENE, Texas — Taylor County Commissioners voted unanimously Friday to make access to the courthouses -- and all county offices -- "by appointment only" due to the coronavirus.
Judge Downing Bolls said there were several incidents that prompted the decision.
The most alarming of those was a person from "a county west of here," who showed up Thursday for a hearing that had been canceled. They asked a bailiff about it and then left.
On their way home, the person was notified that a family member tested positive for the coronavirus.
The bailiff was told to contact the health department who cleared them to return to work because the bailiff was feeling well and did not come within 6-feet of the person.
"What were doing right now is not sufficient," said Bolls.
The new courthouse, old courthouse and Taylor County Plaza will all be by appointment only through at least April 3.
Bolls said they could extend that if necessary.
Once there is a positive case of coronavirus in Taylor County they will declare a state of emergency.
Starting Monday, Taylor County Courthouse visitors will be asked screening questions before being allowed past security.
- Have you recently traveled outside of the United States or to any place known to have documented cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)?
- Have you had any contact with a suspected COVID-19 case?
- Has the individual had a fever within the last seven (7) days?
- Does the individual have a cough, cold, or flu like symptoms?
The Taylor County Sheriff's Office is asking you to stay everyone that needs to conduct business at any Taylor County building to please stay home if you are sick.
If you are sick and have court, please contact your attorney before coming to court.
If you do not have an attorney, please call the court directly, explain your situation, and ask for instructions.
By AJ Gersh
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