The Missouri Supreme Court is lifting its operational directives for Missouri's courts that were designed to ensure the safety of employees and the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Court officials said the restrictions were being lifted June 15 due to a decrease in the national and local levels of COVID-19 cases and the effectiveness and availability of approved COVID-19 vaccines.
In March, the Supreme Court last revised its directives, saying local courts could operate in one of four operating phases, each reflecting differing approaches to in-person proceedings, personnel and staffing, and courthouse operations.
The order applies to Missouri's appellate and circuit courts - including all associate, family, juvenile, treatment, municipal and probate divisions.
Based on local health conditions and recommended CDC guidelines, local chief and presiding judges may exercise their discretion in determining whether precautionary measures should be used to ensure the health and safety of those in the courtroom or court facility, court officials said.