El Paso County courthouse, all other county facilities closed to public to slow virus spread

EL PASO, Texas - The El Paso County courthouse and all county facilities will be shut down to the public effective Monday until further notice.

The announcement was made late Sunday night.

The measure, according to a statement from El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego, is to further efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Despite the closure, the county said critical services will still be provided.

People who may need to reach out to any county department can go to go to the county's website to contact them directly. You can also reach out by phone to 915-546-2000.

The courts will be functioning, said Mike Cuccaro, executive director of the Council of Judges.

"Our judges continue to hear many vital matters, from hearings for those in jail to petitions for protective orderes to child custody matters," he said.

Poeple who need to attend court will be allowed into the courthouse.