Visitors must wear masks at Fresno County Superior courthouses starting Monday

Fresno County Superior Court will resume limited operations Monday following a brief closure last week after two staffers came into contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19.

Both staffers work at the B.F. Sisk Courthouse, the only one in the county handling civil cases other than small claims. Although neither employee has tested positive for the virus, all staff were sent home pending test results, the court said.

"This action was taken with the health and safety of the court employees, justice partners and the public in mind," said court spokeswoman Suzanne Abi-Rached.

Anyone entering a Fresno County courthouse must wear a facial covering, said Abi-Rached. Those who fail to do so will be denied entry.

Effective Monday, the civil court will only be available for e-filing and drop box services. The clerks' offices remain closed to the public. E-filing is encouraged where it is not mandatory under local rules.

The court has been operating minimally during the pandemic and taken precautionary measures to slow the spread of the virus, the court said.

According to the latest order issued by the court, all courtrooms will remain closed for judicial business except for time-sensitive, essential functions and priority matters until May 29. Emergency matters include temporary restraining orders in civil or family law, ex parte proceedings, in-custody juvenile detention hearings, probate petitions, warrants, criminal arraignments, bail and bond hearings and habeas corpus petitions challenging medical quarantines.

The court is also allowing criminal jury trials to proceed upon a finding of good cause. Most hearings are held telephonically or by video.

-- Gina Kim