State health officials still awaiting test results 

FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Courthouse will remain closed again tomorrow as state health officials await results of tests that were conducted Thursday and Friday. The courthouse has been closed since Monday of last week after several employees complained of illness.

Various tests have been conducted throughout last week – for volatile compounds, mold, pollen, dust and other common allergens – and all were negative. Officials from the state Department of Health and Senior Services asked to conduct a more prolonged, 24-hour test that was done Thursday and Friday.

The tests were conducted after dozens of courthouse workers, all of whom are state employees, complained of illness on June 15 and again last Monday. Symptoms included shortness of breath, a skin rash, or in some cases elevated blood pressure.

The entire building was cleaned again Friday night after testing was completed. A determination about when employees can return to work when and business at the courthouse will resume will be made after state health officials review their test results, which are expected tomorrow.

For information on court operations go to www.njcourts.com.