Magoffin County Judge-Executive says county employee tested positive for COVID-19; courthouse closed temporarily

Magoffin County Judge-Executive Matt Wyman announced on an audio statement that a county employee has a confirmed COVID-19 test result and that the Magoffin County Courthouse will be closed as a precaution.

Wyman said, “We have been notified that an employee of the county that works under my authority has a confirmed COVID 19 test result.” He asked residents to pray for the employee and their family and said he would provide as much information as he could while observing disclosure limits.

The announcement said the employee became symptomatic late Sunday evening with allergy-like symptoms that worsened and that a COVID-19 test was administered on Tuesday. The employee was described as self-isolating at home and still symptomatic. Wyman said the employee will not return to work until they have a negative COVID-19 test result.

Wyman emphasized that the employee’s duties included frequent direct contact with the public, and he cited that fact in explaining the decision to take extra precautions. He also said the employee had been diligent in following public-health guidance: “This employee is probably one of, if not the most, compliant employee I have when it comes to following CDC guidelines.” He used that point to urge broader compliance, saying those who do not wear masks can still infect others.

As a precautionary measure, Wyman announced the closure of the Magoffin County Courthouse "until the end of business on Tuesday, August" and said it was the intention to reopen "Wednesday, August at 9AM." The statement did not specify exact calendar dates. He clarified the closure did not include the judicial center or other county facilities and said programs administered from the community center, including Meals on Wheels, would continue to operate.

Wyman said he had advised county officials — including the county clerk, county attorney, the property valuation administrator and the sheriff — to tell their staff to self-monitor and get tested if they develop symptoms. He also said he had taken a COVID-19 test himself.

Wyman closed by urging residents to follow mitigation measures: “Please, please, wear the mask… Let’s socially distance. Let’s do the right thing.”

Next steps: the courthouse closure was described as a precautionary administrative action announced by the Judge-Executive; no formal vote or ordinance was recorded in the statement. The announcement did not specify the date the positive test result was confirmed nor the exact calendar dates for the temporary closure and reopening.