By Jill Harmacinski, Eagle Tribune
Offices in Lawrence and Salem, Massachusetts, courts are closed Friday after a Superior Court employee under quarantine reported "flu-like symptoms," according to officials.
The clerk's office in Lawrence Superior Court as well as clerk's offices in Salem Superior and Salem District Courts are closed "due to an abundance of caution," according Jennifer Donahue, Massachusetts Trial Court spokesperson.
Emergency matters are being handled in Peabody District Court, Donahue said.
"A Superior Court employee has reported flu-like symptoms after beginning a 14-day quarantine on March 11. The employee was tested and awaits results.
The closing of the court office comes after courthouses in both Lawrence and Salem underwent a "deep clean" after a trial court employee was exposed to coronavirus, commonly known as COVID-19.
Donahue said on Thursday that "a trial court employee had contact several days ago with a friend who has since tested positive from COVID-19. The employee’s spouse had more recent contact with the same friend.”
The employee, who has not been named, is currently at home for a 14-day self quarantine as protection.
The employee had been in Lawrence Superior Court and the Ruane Judicial Center in Salem in recent days, Donahue said.
“The Trial Court Facilities department has conducted a deep clean to disinfect both courthouses,” Donahue said.