Chattooga County Courthouse closed after employees test positive for COVID-19

Google / Chatooga County Courthouse Annex
Google / Chatooga County Courthouse Annex

Two employees have tested positive for COVID-19 at the Chattooga County Courthouse Annex in Summerville, Georgia.

Commissioner Jason Winters said in a statement that the annex, home of the tax assessor and vehicle tag office, will be closed until further notice.

One of the employees who tested positive was Chattooga County Magistrate Judge Tracy Maddux. He said in a statement that he felt it was important to let the public know of his positive test result.

"I know some who have posted their results have been criticized, but still I post this because I feel it is the proper thing to do as I am around a lot of people each day," Maddux said.

He added he was asymptomatic as of Friday afternoon and the only person he was in contact with who also tested positive was 10 days ago.

Maddux said he got his test results within 48 hours but said he did not go through the local health department for his test.

"I suggest that anyone needing a test do so at the urgent care or your [primary care physician] as the results are faster," he said. "Mine was less than 48 hours. Nothing against our health department as they do a great job, but once it leaves the facility, they have no control over it."

The state health department has reported 125 coronavirus cases in Chattooga County. Two people in the county have died due to the virus, and five have been hospitalized.

Other county offices will remain open but under limited access as a precaution for further spread of the virus.

Residents and visitors are asked to call the office they need before visiting.

"Early voting and the registrar's office will remain open and operational but please bring a mask with you to vote," Winters said in the statement. "If you do not have a mask, a mask will be provided."

Maddux said city court on Tuesday night has been canceled.

(READ MORE: Where COVID-19 cases are rising and falling in the Chattanooga region)

Contact Patrick Filbin at pfilbin@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6476. Follow him on Twitter @PatrickFilbin.

Upcoming Events