Westmoreland green phase: No temp checks at courthouse, offices opening

Westmoreland County is moving to green status on Friday, meaning courthouse visitors won’t need a temperature check to enter, and some restrictions on access to row offices will be lifted.

Gov. Wolf announced last week that Westmoreland would be joining other counties in southwestern Pennsylvania in moving from the yellow phase of covid-19 restrictions to the green phase, which will result in a loosening of restrictions on activities and businesses. The rules for social distancing and face masks remain.

The county’s contract with Amerisafe Group in Hempfield, whose employees take the temperatures of those entering the courthouse and the county Regional Youth Services Center, will expire on Friday, the commissioners said at the board’s agenda meeting Tuesday.

The temperature checks will be reinstituted for a 14-day period if an employee is presumed or has tested positive for covid-19, said Amanda Bernard, county human resources director.

Visitors to row offices must have appointments, said Commissioner Sean Kertes, board chairman.

Recorder of Deeds Frank Schiefer said his office will be open once barriers are installed to protect employees and those using the office. He is hoping that will occur later this week.

Although access to the deed books was limited to those making an appointment, Schiefer said that most people doing a title search on property were able to access the information they needed through the county’s website, which has documents as far back as 1850.

The county has yet to learn from the governor’s office what the criteria will be for lifting all restrictions, despite calls made to state officials in Harrisburg, Kertes said.

“I want to get to the ‘freedom phase’ as soon as possible,” Kertes said.

Commissioner Gina Cerilli said she believes it’s likely the restrictions will be lifted “in stages,” rather than all at once.