A case of COVID-19 was detected in the Schuylkill County Courthouse recently.

“I was informed Saturday that an employee had tested positive for the virus,” Schuylkill County Administrator Gary Bender said today.

Bender said the employee, who was asymptomatic, works in the tax assessment office and has not returned to work. The employee’s supervisor called Bender, who in turn notified Doreen Kutzler with Hubric Resources, Wyomissing, the firm hired for interim human resources.

“Everybody that needed to know knew,” Bender said.

Four employees of either the tax assessment office or tax claim office remain out. One of them returns tomorrow, Bender said. Other employees not directly impacted will receive a letter from the human resources office outlining what took place and the steps taken.

The courthouse, Children and Youth building and Human Services building are sprayed weekly, Bender said. Paul Fetterolf, director of public works, said additional spraying of Decon7 is done as needed when approved by Bender.

“So far, I think we did five additional sprays,” since earlier in the year, he said.

Schuylkill County Sheriff Joseph Groody said Bender called him about the positive case. Groody said Bender assured him contact tracing and the proper cleaning measures would occur.

Schuylkill County Commissioner Barron “Boots” Hetherington said all commissioners were notified.

“Contact tracing has been done,” he said.

Hess said Bender called him about the positive test results.

“Gary handled it very well,” Hess said.