Two medical staff wearing protective suits treating a woman infected with coronavirus(Covid-19) inside an isolation ward at a hospital. Photo: Mongkolchon Akesin/Shutterstock.com

A judge in San Antonio has gone into quarantine for 14 days, after a defendant in her court claimed he had contact with someone infected by COVID-19.

Bexar County Court 13 Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez, who hears criminal and family violence cases in her court, was presiding over a criminal case when the defendant made the claim about coronavirus exposure.

The situation shows how judges, at times, might be on the front lines of the pandemic, because of their frequent contact with the public.

Gonzalez wasn't available for comment, but a statement by Bexar County Criminal District Attorney Joe Gonzalez recounted that the judge ordered her courtroom to be locked after the defendant made the disclosure.

"While we understand everyone is concerned about coming into contact with people who have tested positive for the virus, it is important to know all the facts before reacting," Gonzalez said. "Health experts are better equipped to assess anyone who may be at risk of having contracted COVID-19. As far as we know, no one present in County Court 13 this morning has been symptomatic or tested positive for COVID-19."

Gonzalez added that health officials have stated that coronavirus gets spread through droplets from a cough or sneeze, close personal contact, or touching an object or surface with the virus on it and then touching your own mouth, nose or eyes.