OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A state senator whose Omaha law practice often takes him into the Douglas County Courthouse has raised the volume of his calls to close it, citing the COVID-19 diagnosis of a prosecuting attorney.
The prosecutor found out Monday that he was infected. The more than 50 people he'd recently had close contact with at the courthouse - including eight judges, several colleagues and a dozen public defenders - now are supposed to isolate themselves for two weeks. The courthouse spaces have since been deep cleaned.
The call to close the courthouse came as the presiding judge for Douglas County District Court on Thursday ordered all jury trials postponed further until after June 1.
For most people, COVID-19 causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. Older adults and people with existing health problems are among those particularly susceptible.
State Sen. Justin Wayne told the Omaha World-Herald he'd urged city and county officials to close the downtown building last week. The need is greater now, he said, adding that many hearings can be conducted by phone or videoconferencing.
"I am saying, 'Shut down the Douglas County Courthouse.' Our physical presence is just not necessary," he said.