The Brown County Courthouse is closed and employees are being moved to remote work after an employee was diagnosed with COVID-19.

The Brown County Commissioners and Brown County Health Officer Dr. Norman Oestrike made the announcement just after noon today that the courthouse would be closed today and Friday.

Judge Mary Wertz and “limited court staff” will continue to be in the office during business hours “to respond to phone inquiries and to address emergency matters that may arise,” a press release read. All court hearings that were scheduled for today and Friday will be continued to a later date and all parties will be notified. With questions, call the court office at 812-988-7557.

The courthouse will undergo a deep cleaning and will remain closed through the weekend.

All courthouse employees and other employees who work closely with those departments have been instructed to utilize the new testing site at the Brown County Music Center to get tested for COVID-19 if they have not already done so. They also will be asked to self-monitor and follow recommendations provided by local health authorities, the press release said.

“The health and safety of our employees, elected officials, and community members are our top priorities, and we are taking this action out of an abundance of caution,” said county commissioner Diana Biddle.