Queens Supreme Court secretary tests positive for COVID-19

Eagle file photo by David Brand

By David Brand

A Queens Supreme Court law secretary has tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the first staffer with the illness known to report to work at the Sutphin Boulevard building since March.

The law secretary, who works for an unnamed justice, tested positive Sept. 11 and last visited the Sutphin Boulevard courthouse on Sept. 3, according to the Office of Court Administration.

“All employees known to have been in contact with this Secretary have been notified of her positive test result,” OCA spokesperson Lucian Chalfen said.

The last time a Queens Supreme Court, Civil Term staffer reported a positive COVID-19 test was April 30, according to updates published by OCA. That person had not visited the courthouse since March 16.

Though the state suspended most in-person operations that day, some ongoing trials continued until their conclusion.

The first judge in the state to test positive for COVID-19 worked in Queens Supreme during that period, the Eagle reported March 19. Five days later, a juror tested positive following the conclusion of a three-week civil trial.

Since then, the court has instituted major changes to stem the spread of the illness as in-person proceedings resume. Court officers administer temperature checks and health screenings to all staff and visitors and custodians conduct routine deep-cleanings. Courts have also mandated e-filing and prioritized remote conferences and hearings.

The Civil Supreme courthouse began to reopen to some staff in June after shifting emergency functions to the Civil Court building next door. Over the past several months, in-person operations have gradually increased, with some summary bench trials now taking place.

Over that same period, various officials in the Queens Criminal Court building on Queens Boulevard have tested positive for COVID-19, most recently on Aug. 26. 

The Criminal Court building remained open for virtual arraignments and some emergency proceedings throughout the pandemic.

One senior clerk received a call from her doctor informing her of her diagnosis while at work in the arraignments July 1, the Eagle reported. She had just returned from a trip to Texas. 

All court personnel and visitors who have come in contact with people testing positive for COVID-19 are encouraged to get tested immediately.