The first phase of reopening Cole County circuit courts for in-person hearings will start Monday.
Since mid-March, the courts have been operating under policies as directed by the Missouri Supreme Court in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, meaning no in-person hearings except for orders of protection and others approved by a judge.
Starting Monday, there will be limits on the number of visitors in the courthouse at one time, Cole County Presiding Judge Pat Joyce said.
No more than 10 people will be in any courtroom or office. All areas of the courthouse have been marked off by 6 feet to achieve social-distancing requirements.
To achieve the capacity limits, priority has been given to cases involving felony crimes, juvenile cases, orders of protection, custody cases with allegations of abuse and emergency guardianships.
Courts will continue to use video-conferencing and teleconferencing, especially for jail dockets.
As part of Monday's reopening, Joyce said, everyone entering the courthouse will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms. People's temperatures will be taken, and contact information will be gathered. Family members and friends will not be permitted to enter with a litigant unless prior approval is obtained. Every person will be required to wear a mask except while testifying, and they should bring their own mask.
People with questions about the status of particular cases should check Case.net, ask their attorney or call the Cole County Circuit Clerk's Office at 573-634-9171. Court information is also available online at colecounty.org/clerk.
Those in Cole County who need to file an order of protection or a continuance should email [email protected].