Masks now required to enter Jefferson, Thayer County Courthouses

FAIRBURY, NE — People entering the Jefferson County Courthouse must now adhere to new health and safety rules

The County Commissioners voted unanimously at their meeting Tuesday morning to require all visitors to wear a mask when entering the courthouse. They will also deny entrance to anyone who recently tested positive for COVID-19 or is in quarantine. 

Board Chairman Gale Pohlmann says the decision is about employee safety. 

“Our greatest asset… is our county employees," Pohlmann said. "We want to keep our offices open to allow the public to do their business that they need to do on a daily basis.“

Gov. Pete Ricketts previously said the state would withhold federal COVID dollars from counties that issue mask mandates for courthouses.

Pohlmann says he hopes the governor reverses his decision. 

“If we have to sacrifice some dollars that he wouldn’t give us, it’s better than sacrificing one of our employees lives or somebody that comes into the courthouse to do business with us,” Pohlmann said.

At Ricketts' Tuesday press conference, NCN asked if he might reconsider withholding funding now that virus numbers are rising. He said he was not aware of any mask requirements and would investigate.

Thayer County is also requiring masks for people visiting the courthouse.

County officials are urging residents to access county services online if possible.