LAURINBURG — Business at Scotland County Courthouse, at least in person, has been shut down until Monday because of an outbreak of positive COVID-19 cases.

“We had a ‘cluster incident’ within the Clerk’s Office early this week,” said Philip McRae, clerk of court. “The sources that we rely upon indicate that a single positive test result should be a matter of concern, but isn’t necessarily grounds to shut down the operation.

“However, we have been warned that if a cluster occurs (two or more incidences within a relatively small group) it indicates that a breach may have occurred in our protocols to prevent spread of the virus,” he added.

McRae added that he was one of two employees who had symptoms and tested positive this week.

“I consulted with our senior resident Superior Court judge and our chief District Court judge, who in turn consulted with the administrative office of the courts and other officials,” McRae said. “They subsequently approved my proposal to close the clerk’s office and cancel courts until Monday.”

“After the county performs a deep-cleaning of the Clerk’s Office, all courtrooms and other relevant areas, we will have a fresh crew available on Monday to resume operations,” he added.

McRae explained that anyone who has visited the courthouse recently shouldn’t feel there is any more risk of being exposed to the virus than usual, since all of the public health directives have been followed and strictly enforced by Sheriff Ralph Kersey’s bailiff unit under the leadership of Capt. Jonathan Smith.

“The cluster was within the Clerk’s Office itself which has restricted access from the public,” McRae said. “It’s extremely unlikely that any member of the public encountered the individuals involved under circumstances conducive to spreading the virus. However, as always, anyone exhibiting symptoms should be tested and/or seek medical advice.”

Kersey said things have been difficult recently for the Sheriff’s Office.

“It’s been a hot mess down there,” Kersey told WLNC radio. “We went seven months and did really well … until recently.”

Another challenging factor is that the Scotland County Jail is currently overpopulated.

“We only have so many places we can put an inmate when they test positive,” Kersey said.

Those having a court case affected by the cancellation of court should receive a notice by mail of the new court date within two weeks. Anyone having time-sensitive papers to be filed with the court may have them clocked-in at the magistrate’s office — enter at the Roper Street entrance to the courthouse.

Recorded public announcements about current circumstances may be accessed by calling 910-266-4404. Unless a member of the public already has a court date or some other matter scheduled, anyone who wishes to visit the courthouse should continue to call ahead and make arrangements to meet with a specific person. This will allow them to avoid waiting to be seen and will enable us to maintain social distancing by controlling traffic flow.

W. Curt Vincent can be reached at 910-506-3023 or cvincent@laurinburgexchange. To support The Laurinburg Exchange, subscribe here: https://www.laurinburgexchange.com/subscribe.