Employment Law Report
Supreme Court of Kentucky Issues Guidance for Counties in “Red Zones”
Written by Marianna J. Michael
With COVID-19 cases increasing and cases expected to continue to rise during the colder months, the Supreme Court of Kentucky issued new safety precautions that courts throughout the state are encouraged to follow. Unlike prior Orders, this guidance does not supersede the Supreme Court’s latest COVID-related Administrative Orders, 2020-63 and 2020-64.
The Court recommends court officials check their respective county’s COVID status on a weekly basis on the Kentucky Coronavirus Monitoring Map. If a county is in the COVID “red zone,” the following recommendations apply:
- Court Proceedings. All court proceedings should be conducted remotely.
- Jury Trials. Jury trials should be postponed until the county returns to the yellow zone.
- Offices of Circuit Court Clerk. Circuit court clerks should close their offices to in-person services. All filings should be mailed, eFiled, or conventionally filed using a drop box provided outside the judicial facility. All payments for court costs, fines, fees and restitution should be made by money order mailed to the Office of Circuit Court Clerk or by cash or credit card by calling the office.
- Access to Court Facilities. Access to court facilities should be limited to attorneys and parties required to attend emergency, in-person hearings and individuals seeking emergency protective orders, interpersonal protective orders and emergency custody orders.
- Masks and Social Distancing. Proper use of facial coverings and social distancing while in court facilities should be strictly enforced.
- Teleworking. All court employees who are able to telework should be encouraged to do so.
Return here for additional updates on the judiciary’s response to COVID-19.