• Court receives notification of a positive test of a staff person
  • Manager completes detailed fact-finding form with the individual to identify close contacts
    • CDC definition of close contact > More than 15 minutes at less than 6 feet distance over a 24-hour period
    • Manager requests written permission to share name with other managers in the office to address any concerns
  • Manager consults with HR to assess need to close a courthouse using CDC guidelines
  • HR makes recommendation to Associate Court Administrator who seeks concurrence from Chief Justice and Court Administrator

Communication once Closure Approved

  • HR notifies Deputy Court Administrator, Probation, Security
  • Local manager advises staff, other managers in the building, co-occupants in building, including DA, Registry, clinicians, law library
  • Department Head notifies local Board of Health, which follows up as appropriate
  • Associate Court Administrator notifies Facilities Department for disinfecting
  • Chief Court Officer notifies local police
  • EOTC communication:
    • post closure on mass.gov – alert on the local court page and the court closure page
    • tweet to @MAcourtclosings
    • email to DA Assoc & local contact, Sheriffs Assoc & local contact, CPCS, AG, MBA, BBA, DCF, DYS, DMH

Facilities Management Process for Disinfecting When Court is Temporarily Closed due to COVID

  • Areas used by an individual who tested positive for COVID will be closed off to allow air and dust to settle for approximately 24 hours. If more than 7 days have passed since the individual visited or used the facility, special cleaning and disinfection is not necessary.
  • All areas used by the individual who tested positive will be cleaned and disinfected, such as offices, bathrooms, and common areas using CDC recommended disinfectants for COVID-19.
  • Facilities Management personnel wear disposable gloves to clean and disinfect using CDC recommended cleaning process
  • Once appropriately disinfected, the area can be reopened.