HS County Courthouse reopens to public

The decision was made during Tuesday’s county commissioners meeting to move ahead with a “soft” re-open of the Hot Springs County Courthouse, beginning today (Thursday).

The courthouse was closed down at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to help slow the spread of the virus and the public was allowed in only if absolutely necessary.

Now, the public may use the main courthouse entrance that faces Arapahoe Street. Signage will ask about any illness, fever or other symptoms before entry, so those who are not feeling well are asked to return when they are no longer ill.

The breezeway doors between the Law Enforcement Center and the courthouse will remain locked.

Elevators will have signage directing the public to the front courthouse doors and signage for ADA individuals will be posted, instructing them to call the office they need for someone to meet them at the breezeway door upstairs when they come off the elevator.

The public is asked to please complete your business in the building and exit as soon as possible, not stopping to gather or visit inside.

Hand sanitizer will be placed inside the main doors for public use and folks are encouraged to wear a face covering when entering the building.

For courthouse personnel, they will be wearing face masks as they move about the building and if their office counters do not have sneeze guards installed, they will have to wear face coverings when conducting business with the public, especially if the individual they are dealing with has chosen to wear a face covering.

The public is encouraged to enter alone, however, if you must bring children with you they are to remain at your side.

There will be marks in place on the lobby floors at six-foot intervals as you approach each office and only one person at a time may enter an office.

Hand sanitizer will also be provided for public use in each of the offices at the counter and staff will wipe down pens and counter after each customer, as well as practice good hand sanitation themselves.

Emergency Management Coordinator Bill Gordon and Public Health Nursing Director Tricia McPhie have said this soft opening is something of a test. If the county doesn’t see a spike in COVID cases during the opening they may be able to loosen more of the restrictions.

However, if there is a spike after the soft opening we will have to go back to the previous restrictions.