President Judge Kim Clark Orders Several County Court Facilities Closed
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - President Judge Kim Clark issued a late-night decision that closes several Allegheny County Court facilities.
The announcement comes as the court system is grappling with coronavirus cases. Multiple employees have tested positive for coronavirus within the court system.
In fact, part of Clark's decision is due to several employees have expressed their uneasiness over these positive cases.
The decision temporarily closes the criminal division of the Court of Common Pleas to the public on Friday. That includes the third and fifth floors of the Allegheny County Courthouse.
Bail hearings and motions court will continue as normal.
Also, Clark ordered the magistrate court on Lincoln Highway in North Versailles will be closed.
However, all other magistrate offices in Allegheny County and Pittsburgh Municipal Court will be open.
Clark ordered that the Fifth Judicial District's Protection From Abuse on Ross Street downtown will be closed to the public. Anyone that is trying to get a temporary PFA will be able to get an emergency PFA from municipal court downtown or one of the local magistrate offices.
According to the court administration, all of the employees that have tested positive have been isolated, quarantined, and contact traced. They also say all other buildings are safe and following CDC guidelines.