New Supreme Court order encourages wearing masks in judicial buildings due to Delta variant

The order also states that a chief circuit judge can mandate masks for a judicial facility.

                                 (File)

FRANKFORT, Ky., Aug. 9, 2020 — Today the Supreme Court of Kentucky issued an order encouraging anyone entering a judicial center, courthouse or other judicial facility to wear a mask in light of the outbreak of the COVID-19 Delta variant in Kentucky. This order is in line with the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control.

The order also states that a chief circuit judge can mandate masks for a judicial facility.

Administrative Order 2021-27 replaces Administrative Order 2021-16 and includes these changes:

• Clarifies that use of masks or other facial coverings is strongly encouraged for all individuals, in compliance with current CDC guidelines;
• Clarifies that the Chief Circuit Judge, in consultation with the Chief District Judge and the Circuit Clerk, can mandate use of masks for an entire judicial facility;
• Updates list of individuals at high risk for COVID-19, per current CDC guidance;
• Updates and consolidates the list of quarantine/isolation requirements by referring to current CDC guidance; and
• Deletes outdated language regarding renewal of expired driver’s licenses, permits, and identification cards. 

The Supreme Court also issued Administrative Order 2021-28 today. The order replaces Administrative Order 2021-17 and includes these changes:

• Deletes obsolete language regarding grand juries and show cause dockets;
• Updates list of individuals at high risk for COVID-19, per current CDC guidance;
• Deletes language referring to the expired CDC moratorium on evictions. 

 You can find ongoing court updates on the COVID-19 and the Courts webpage.