LAWTON – The Comanche County Courthouse will remain closed for two more weeks, Central District County Commissioner Johnny Owens announced January 29.
The building was closed to the general public on November 25, 2020, because of an increase in COVID-19 cases in the county and across the state.
County department heads initially met to discuss whether to reopen the courthouse on January 19. However, it was decided then that the closure should remain in effect through the end of the month.
After a recent follow-up meeting, the elected county officers unanimously agreed the courthouse should remain closed until Tuesday, February 16, Owens said. The courthouse will remain closed on February 15 in observance of the Presidents Day national holiday, he noted.
“We’re all ready to get back to normalcy,” Owens said Friday. “But until then, I want everybody to be safe.”
When the courthouse reopens for regular business on February 16, admission will again be limited to a maximum of 100 people at a time, Owens said. In addition, people entering the building will have their temperature taken, face masks will be required, and social distancing will be observed, he said.
The elected officials encourage citizens to communicate with the various offices via electronic communications whenever possible. Citizens also can use the drop boxes at the building’s west entrance to conduct business with the courthouse.
“This will help in limiting the number of citizens inside the building,” said Amy McGlone, the county’s public information officer.
During the interim, all county offices will remain open for business by appointment only. Appointments can be made by calling the offices during the business hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.