The closure is “out of an abundance of caution and to help protect the public and court staff,” according to a press release from the N.C. Administrative Office of the Courts.

Emergency filings will be accepted between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and a drop box will be available outside the clerk’s office drawer. Limited personnel will be available via phone at 828.479.7000.

By order of the Chief Justice, only people with business at the courthouse will be allowed to enter. Masks or face coverings are required in all courthouses. Filings are encouraged to be mailed and will be treated as timely if received by mail within five days of the due date.