LAWTON – After a 74-day shutdown because of the coronavirus threat, the Comanche County Courthouse will reopen to the public June 1.
The building will operate on shorter hours, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. instead of 8-5; entry will be through the west door only; and access will be limited as a public health precaution, said Central District County Commissioner Johnny Owens.
Every person who comes inside the building will have his/her temperature taken upon entry. Anyone with a fever will be denied admission. Everyone who enters the courthouse will have to wear something covering the mouth and nose, either a bandanna or a surgical-type mask, said Owens, whose duties include responsibility for the courthouse.
“We’re going to start with 100 people allowed in the building at a time,” he said Wednesday. Parents shouldn’t bring their children with them unless it’s absolutely necessary, because otherwise “they’ll have to be sent back to the car,” Owens said.
“Only those people who really need to be there will be allowed inside,” he said. “Please, don’t come to the courthouse unless you really have to.” “Social distancing” – adequate spacing – will be required.
Each county office will have its particular safety procedures posted on its front door, he said. Owens met with the county’s elected officials Wednesday morning to discuss the policies, and he is scheduled to meet Thursday morning with Sheriff Kenny Stradley to review security issues. Courthouse safety measures will be revisited in the weeks ahead as circumstances warrant, Owens said.