The Canadian County Courthouse and Administration Building will remain closed to the public for at least a while longer.

County commissioners, following the recommendations of District Judge Jack McCurdy and Court Clerk Marie Hirst, said access to the buildings would remain limited.

County Clerk Sherry Murray hinted that access to land records at the Administration Building could soon be available, though changes are likely.

McCurdy said the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s guidance is in effect until May 15. After that, he said, the court system would go back to semi-normal.

McCurdy said beginning May 18, the Supreme Court would allow each county to decide how to operate its court system, and whether regular court dockets can resume.

Most court cases have been on hold since mid-March when the Supreme Court shut down the court system in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, only emergency hearings have been held as well as initial appearances.

The court clerk’s office and county judges have been handling cases mainly through electronic means.

One of the main concerns is getting a barrier in place between the staff and the public. Hirst said her office is in the process of adding glass partitions, but the project is not yet completed.

In addition, the staff that deals directly with the public will continue to wear masks and gloves.

Assessor Matt Wehmuller said his office has continued to serve the public during the pandemic, though most of his staff continues to work remotely.

“We’re going to continue doing what we’ve been doing,” Wehmuller said.

Emergency Manager Andrew Skidmore said he has ordered enough personal protection equipment for most, if not all, county employees.

The order was through the state’s Office of Emergency Management and should arrive soon. Similar orders can be placed each week, he said.

The PPEs include face masks as well as gloves to protect workers.

McCurdy said he would like for everyone to wear masks and gloves through at least the end of May.