Westmoreland clerk of courts office appointment-only for the public after virus cases reported

Starting Tuesday, all public business at the Westmoreland County Clerk of Courts office will be conducted by appointment only.

Clerk of Courts Bryan Kline made the change Monday because some staffers have tested positive for the coronavirus, while others are quarantining as they await test results.

“My staff operations are limited” and Kline said he is trying to reduce the amount of foot traffic into the courthouse office. He declined to say how many employees were affected.

People can call 724-830-3732 to schedule an appointment. The change will not affect those with scheduled court appearances or others who routinely file paperwork there.

The office houses criminal court files, handles appeals and expungements and collects payment for fines, costs and restitution. Payments can be made online with a debit or credit card at co.westmoreland.pa.us/1600/On-line-Case-Payments-PAePay.

New confirmed cases of the coronavirus have been increasing in Westmoreland, as has the daily positivity rate. The county’s seven-day positive rate average for new tests is currently 30.6%. At the beginning of November, the seven-day rate was 17.15%.

As of Monday, 199 people in the county have died, according to state health department data.

There were 173 new positive cases Sunday and 129 on Monday, bringing the county’s total to 9,261 cases. More than 63,000 have tested negative. The overall positivity rate in the county stands at 10.35%.

The virus has hit several departments in county government, including the elections bureau and commissioners office as well as members of court staff and the 911 center.