An employee at the District Court of Maryland in Howard County has tested positive for COVID-19, marking the first confirmed case within the Maryland Judiciary. The individual last worked at the courthouse in Ellicott City on March 12 and received a positive test result on March 24 after seeking medical attention on March 17.
The Maryland Judiciary has informed relevant health departments about the case and is working with public health agencies to identify individuals who may have been in contact with the infected employee. Areas of the courthouse that may have been exposed have been sealed and will undergo sanitization.
Despite being closed to the general public, the Howard County District Court remains operational with essential staff to handle emergency matters as specified by an Administrative Order related to COVID-19 restrictions.
"The Maryland Judiciary is committed to taking the necessary steps to protect the health of the public and Judiciary personnel while fulfilling constitutional obligations to hear certain emergency matters."
Further details regarding COVID-19's impact on court operations can be found on their official website.