New rules were announced late last week for those who visit Allen County district court.
Mask mandates will be relaxed, but the new protocols call for continued social distancing, limited capacity in courtrooms and options for remote hearings. Those who aren’t vaccinated must continue to wear a mask.
Court operations were closed to the public by the Kansas Supreme Court in March 2020, but essential court functions never ceased in the 31st Judicial District Court. The District Court Clerk’s office in Allen County and courtroom have been open to the public since early last summer, but were modified to protect public health. Three previous orders were rescinded regarding those restrictions.
The new order follows direction from the Kansas Supreme Court. Chief Judge Daniel Creitz worked with local health agencies to develop the updated protocol for the 31st Judicial District.
Among the changes:
• Updated “Visitor Alert” information will be posted at all entrances to the courthouse, asking visitors to self-screen and abide by the honor system regarding safety measures.
• Non-vaccinated individuals must wear a mask or other face covering. Vaccinated individuals, including court staff, do not need to wear a mask but may do so if they feel more comfortable. Employees may designate their workplace or office as a space where masks are required, even for those vaccinated.
• Courtrooms are open to the public for in-person hearings, and live-streaming is not needed in such cases. If a hearing is closed that would normally be open to the public, it must be live-streamed.
• Zoom hearings can still be utilized at the discretion of the judge, to reduce a backlog of cases.
• No more than seven people may be present in the small courtroom at a time. Cases that require more than seven and all large dockets with more than seven cases will occur in the large courtroom. Seating areas shall remain marked for social distancing.
