A Barrie Courthouse employee has tested positive for COVID-19, according to an internal memo.
Dated Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022, the memo is from Ashly Fox, manager of court operations.
“I am writing to you today out of an abundance of caution,” Fox says in the memo, “to advise that management has been notified that a person who works at the Barrie Courthouse has tested positive for COVID-19.”
Fox then lays out the pertinent details known to management as of Jan. 4.
This employee was last physically present in the courthouse on Dec. 31, 2021 and was tested Jan. 3 after experiencing unspecified symptoms, which began Jan. 1.
The person was present in the workplace during their period of communicability, occupying the floor 4.5 conference room.
The employee reported adhering to precautionary measures, including physical distancing and/or wearing a source-control face covering, the memo says.
Fox said management will consult with Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit to confirm if any additional precautions are required and will act upon any additional recommendations made.
Enhanced cleaning in Barrie Courthouse has been in effect since March 2020, when the pandemic was declared.
“Please continue to self-monitor and adhere to all infection control precautions in place and contact your local public health unit or medical provider if you develop symptoms,” Fox said.
The memo is addressed to justice participants of Barrie Courthouse, located at 75 Mulcaster St., and asks that it also be shared with relevant staff and stakeholders.
Alexandra Wilkes, speaking for the Ministry of the Attorney General, said Thursday the safety and health of Ontarians remains its priority and that throughout the pandemic, the ministry has worked to do that and maintain the administration of justice.
“Court services are considered essential in Ontario and matters have continued to be heard throughout the pandemic,” she said. “Individuals attending courthouses, including judiciary, staff and the public have been provided evolving and ongoing direction that is consistent with provincial health and safety guidance throughout the pandemic.”
Wilkes said the ministry has also enhanced health and safety measures and protocols to protect judicial officers, lawyers, litigants, staff and everyone required to attend a courthouse in person. This includes COVID-19 entrance screening, mandatory face coverings, plexiglass barriers, readily available hand sanitizer, physical distancing requirements and markers, enhanced cleaning, facility and room maximum capacity limits and ventilation measures.
Wilkes said the ministry communicates confirmed cases through a memo issued by local management that aligns with public health recommendations and health and safety regulations.
To reduce the need for in-person hearings, limit attendance at courthouses and expand access to justice, she said the ministry supports remote hearings, has moved justice services online and supported necessary changes to judicial procedure and court processes.
Wilkes did not respond to questions about whether there have been other positive COVID-19 tests among Barrie Courthouse staff, if so how many, and how many people physically work at Barrie Courthouse now that further restrictions, announced Jan. 3, are in place.
