COVID-19 has once again been detected at the Schuylkill County Courthouse.

Sheriff Joseph Groody said Friday a second sheriff’s deputy in the security detail has tested positive for COVID-19. He received a call from the employee Wednesday.

“The whole security detail is out,” he said Friday of eight people.

Two have the virus and the other six are out for precautionary measures, Groody said.

He said sheriff personnel are still manning the front security entrance to the courthouse, a task he is helping with.

Chief Deputy Brian Tobin confirmed Friday two deputies have been diagnosed with the virus.

“We are down eight deputies in COVID protocol,” he said.

Earlier this week, Tobin said an employee called him Tuesday about a positive test.

Doreen Kutzler, interim human resources director, said she was unaware a second deputy tested positive for the virus.

“I don’t have the confirmation,” she said.

She was unable to provide the total number of employees who have tested positive for the virus or how many were out from contact with those employees.

County Administrator Gary Bender said Tuesday an employee in the tax assessment office tested positive previously.

At that time, he said four people were out Tuesday in the tax claim or tax assessment office because of close contact with the employee who has the virus. One was due to return, Wednesday.

Bender did not return calls for comment Friday.

Commissioner Barron “Boots” Hetherington declined comment to protect rights of the employee.

Kutzler responded Friday with the efforts the county has taken to reduce the spread of the virus at the courthouse and ancillary buildings.

The press release says the county is taking measures to “ensure the safety of our employees and visitors during this coronavirus outbreak.”

The letter says “a few employees are exhibiting signs of the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. Individuals who have tested positive are being provided with instructions regarding quarantine requirements and steps to mitigate further exposure.”

Among the measures taken is contact 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 the third party cleaning company “as soon as possible.”

Hetherington said the expense would be permitted to be paid for with COVID money the county has.

Employees are also advised to contact human resources and their health care provider if they experience symptoms of respiratory illness.

Medical information and records are confidential per law. The letter also reminds county employees and visitors to adhere to social distancing, wear a mask and wash hands often.

The letter also says “just over 100 attendees” were at the tax sale Monday at the Barefield Recreation Complex in Pottsville. Proper social distancing guidelines were followed, hand sanitizer provided, and employees wore masks.

Kutzler said the letter is not in response to concerns raised by Clerk of Courts Maria Casey in an email she sent previously to county employees.

Clerk of Courts responds

Casey said Friday the letter is “making steps in the right direction.” She sent an email to commissioners Hetherington and George Halcovage Jr., previously which was copied to all county employees, regarding her concerns with the response of the county so far.

“I am happy that they are adopting more cleaning measures,” she said, adding a better contract tracing policy is needed.

She expressed compassion for those with the virus.

“It’s not the fault of anyone who gets it. The Sheriff’s department does great work,” Casey said.