The Kentucky Judicial Branch has announced plans to resume limited in-person court services starting June 1st.
According to a release from Chief Justice John Minton, Jr. the court system will be implementing several guidelines in order to execute a limited, phased reopening that will allow greater access to the courts while keeping court personnel and the public safe through social distancing and other precautions. Guidelines outlined in Supreme Court Administrative Order 2020-39 state that courts may resume hearing all civil and criminal matters so long as all hearings are conducted remotely, unless the judge determines that an in-person hearing is necessary. If a matter requires an in-person hearing several safety precautions must be observed including limiting courtroom capacity, adhering to social distancing guidelines, wearing facial coverings, and the frequent disinfecting of public spaces.
The reopening order also states entrance to all court facilities will be limited to individuals with a scheduled in-person hearing and those filing emergency protective orders, interpersonal protective orders, and emergency custody orders. Members of the public will also be prohibited from bringing purses or similarly enclosed bags into court facilities unless items in the bags are medically necessary.
In addition to the reopening order, the Supreme Court will issue specific guidance on driver’s license services and certain court matters, such as evictions and jury service, in the coming days.
For more information you can visit COVID-19 and the Courts here.