Boone County Courthouse resumes phase 3 operations

In-person court hearings could soon resume at the Boone County Courthouse.

The 13th Judicial Circuit Court announced today it returned to phase three from phase one of its operational plan.

We told you in August when the courthouse switched to phase one after a worker tested positive for COVID-19.

In-person court hearings can now resume under phase three of the plan.

Phase 3 operations mean large rooms and common areas such as courtrooms, jury assembly rooms, jury deliberating rooms, break rooms, and other areas in the court facility can operate under social distancing protocols.

This does not mean judges and staff will do all in person work. Phase 3 protocol still encourages judges and court staff to utilize all available technologies including teleconferencing and video conferencing – whenever possible to limit in-person courtroom appearances to the extent practicable and not prohibited by constitutional or statutory provisions.

The courthouse will continue to clean and disinfect common areas and provide hand sanitizers throughout the courthouse and offices.

A face mask or a covering is also required to be inside of the courthouse.