Kentucky courts lift most COVID-19 restrictions in line with CDC recommendations

Most COVID-19 restrictions in Kentucky courts are being lifted and some jury trials may now resume, Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice John Minton Jr. announced Tuesday.

Minton cited in his order the recent declining COVID-19 numbers and hospitalizations as reasons for the change that allows in-person access to court facilities, eliminates general mask requirements for those who are fully vaccinated and permits most jury trials to resume.

Judges will have discretion in deciding whether to hold or postpone a jury trial, and attorneys will be able to request a trial be delayed if they or their clients are sick or at an increased risk of COVID-19, according to Minton’s order.

Masks are “strongly encouraged” in court facilities for those who have not been fully vaccinated. Those who are sick, have recently tested positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to COVID-19 will not have in-person access to court facilities, according to Tuesday’s announcement.

Judges will also be able to decide whether to limit the number of people in their courtrooms or enforce social distancing, according to the order. Judges can require masks in their courtrooms.

Anyone who has previously been scheduled to appear remotely for an upcoming proceeding will still be allowed to appear remotely, according to the order.

The new order allows for filings and payments to be made in person at the circuit court clerk’s offices.