Correction from Sheriff’s Office:
A jury trial did start today. As stated in the initial release, no Deputies working at the courthouse today posed a risk to the public.
Press release from Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office:
A Buncombe County Sheriff’s Deputy working in Court Security has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual began showing mild symptoms after their last shift before the holiday break (the courthouse was closed on Thursday and Friday) and subsequently took a COVID-19 test which came back positive.
The Sheriff’s Office has worked closely with the Buncombe County Health Department on contact tracing and out of an abundance of caution eight Deputies in Court Security are being held out of work until their COVID test results are returned. The eight Deputies were not at work on Monday. No Deputies in the Court Security Division other than the one individual who tested positive are exhibiting symptoms.
Rumors often spread quickly on social media and it is false that a jury trial started today. Regardless, according to guidance from the Health Department and contact tracing, no Deputies working at the courthouse today posed a risk to the public. Court Security Deputies wear masks at all times while working and have since March.
The Sheriff’s Office encourages the public to follow the public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 by staying six feet away from others outside your household, wearing face coverings and washing hands often.
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