The Athens-Clarke County Courthouse was supposed to reopen Monday after being treated for bedbugs last week, but instead it will remain closed until Wednesday, July 31 for further treatment.
According to a news release from the Athens-Clarke County government, the closure was “out of an abundance of caution to re-treat two areas for bed bugs and evaluate the remainder of the building.”
Workers noticed the possible presence of bedbugs Sunday evening, after the initial treatment was completed.
Superior Court Chief Judge Lisa Lott ordered the closure, canceled trials and suspended other activities. The closure affects Superior Court, Municipal Court, Probate Court, Magistrate Court, Juvenile Court, State Court, the Clerk of Superior and State Court, the Sheriff’s Office, the Solicitor General’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, the Tax Assessor’s Office, the Tax Commissioner’s Office and the Central Services records and mail room. The courthouse parking deck remained open.
Bed bug bites can cause itching, but they do not spread disease. Anyplace can become infested if bedbugs are transported there, commonly in luggage or clothing, regardless of cleanliness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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