The discovery of elevated levels of legionella bacteria has led to a recommendation for the immediate closure of three Baltimore City courthouses. Following precautionary water testing last week at the Baltimore City District (People's) Courthouse, the Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. Courthouse, and the Elijah E. Cummings Courthouse, concerns have prompted officials to consider shutting down to tackle the issue. According to FOX Baltimore, results yesterday confirmed the presence of bacteria that can potentially cause a severe type of pneumonia known as Legionnaires’ disease.
The Mitchell and Cummings courthouses will remain closed on Monday and Tuesday, and they plan to reopen swiftly on December 26. Although the Maryland Department of Health has not mandated such action, the decision to close is made out of caution. District Judge leadership and the court administrator have the final say on the closures, as they are responsible for operating the impacted facilities, WBALTV reported.
Testing wasn't limited to those three buildings. The Cummings MECU building, also scrutinized, showed only extremely low levels of legionella, deeming it safe from needing closure. However, the city is not taking chances. It has continued to rigorously test water in other buildings, including the Abel Wolman Building and City Hall, with results expected in the coming weeks. Notably, this response follows water test findings at the State Center that revealed contamination in one of its buildings last month.
Amidst growing calls to proactively ensure the safety of the city's water supply, Circuit Court Clerk Xavier Conaway had made a public appeal for testing at the courthouses. Conaway expressed his support for the necessary measures, saying, "The safety and well-being of our staff, the public and everyone who relies on the services of the Circuit Court must always be our top priority," in a statement detailed by WBAL-TV. His sentiment was echoed by a public gratitude towards city services for their quick action, reported WBALTV.
