Shelby County Superior Court 2 Judge David Riggins confirmed in a letter that he has tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus:

Today I found out that I had a positive test of the COVID-19 virus.  I have not been at the Courthouse since March 13, 2020 when I began our spring break vacation.  I began showing mild symptoms on March 18, 2020.  I thought it could have been a cold or the flu, but I wanted to be tested to be sure.  It took awhile to get permission to be tested, and thanks to Eli Lilly and Company, as a first responder (EMT), I was able to be tested yesterday.  I found out the results today. 

Even though I haven’t been around people at the courthouse since March 13, 2020, I did go to my office in the Courthouse on Sunday to get some computer equipment so that I could work from home.  In an abundance of caution, I sent all Superior Court 2 employees home today until Monday, March 30, 2020 so that the office could be cleaned.  Therefore, Superior Court 2 is CLOSED until Monday, March 30, 2020.

On Monday, March 30, 2020, and for the next two weeks thereafter, Superior Court 2 will be staffed with one person to process paperwork while other staff members work remotely from home.  Judicial duties required at the courthouse will be covered by our Magistrate Jennifer Kinsley and Judges Apsley and Meltzer and I will work from home.  Shelby Circuit Court and Superior Court 1 will maintain their own Courts accordingly. 

I’m sorry to have to do this, and I regret the concern that it may cause those of you that have recently appeared in my court or worked with me.  While HIPPA technically does protect my results, being a public servant, I think that fairness requires that I disclose my status.  To the chagrin of some, ambivalence of others, but mostly to the satisfaction of my friends and family, I do appear to be on the mend.  Like the rest of the Nation, I hope that this can be put behind us soon.  

David N. Riggins

Judge

Shelby Superior Court 2