In the 8th Judicial Circuit District of Carroll and Ray Counties, the courts will transition to Operating Phase 1, effective May 16, 2020.
A news release says the following persons will not be allowed to enter the facilities of any of the divisions of the circuit courts of Carroll or Ray County:
— Persons who have traveled to any foreign country within the last 14 days;
— Persons who reside or have had close contact with someone who has traveled to any foreign country within the last 14 days;
— Persons who have been asked to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital or health agency;
— Persons who have tested positive, been diagnosed with, or have had contact with, anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19;
— Persons with fevers or unexplained coughs, shortness of breath, or loss of smell or taste; and
— Persons prohibited entry to the courthouse as determined by the county commission.
Appropriate levels of screening, as determined from time to time as local conditions warrant, will be implemented. Such screening may include temperature checks and screening questions.
— Occupancy in court premises shall be limited to 10 persons or less, including court personnel and supporting staff.
— Strict social-distancing protocols of six-foot distance between persons will be observed at all times. Tape or other visible means will be used to mark off six-foot distances where practical.
— All persons entering court premises will be provided, and shall use, hand sanitizer.
— Appropriate masks or face coverings shall be used by all persons entering the court facilities as regulated by local authorities governing the courthouse facility. If a mask or face covering is required by a local governing authority, one will be provided to those who do not have one. Person desiring to wear masks or face coverings when not required by this order may do so, but such a face mask or face covering must be appropriate for court decorum. Whether or not a chosen face mask or face covering is appropriate shall be at the sole discretion of the judge presiding over the proceeding.
— Only attorneys, parties, witnesses, victims, court personnel and support staff, and other individuals necessary to the proceedings, will be allowed in a courtroom for in-person proceedings.
— Litigants, witnesses, victims, attorneys and other individuals involved in court proceedings who are 65 years or older or individuals with underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, including those who suffer from chronic lung disease, moderate to severe asthma, serious heart conditions, immune disorders, obesity, diabetes or chronic kidney or liver disease, will be allowed to participate in the proceedings by teleconferencing or videoconferencing.
— Persons granted access to court premises but refusing to comply with social-distancing, sanitation or face-mask or face-covering standards will be removed from court premises by security staff.
Persons denied access to court premises and needing remote access to the Administration of Justice should contact the circuit clerk’s office in the county in which the case is pending. For Carroll County, call (660)542-1466. In Ray County, call (816) 776-3377.