The Kansas Fifth Judicial District involving Lyon and Chase counties is phasing in a return to largely normal operations by the start of next month.
Public Information Officer Ruth Wheeler says mask use is encouraged for all staff and people in court areas or facilities as the coronavirus pandemic continues, but it is required only for people who are not fully vaccinated. Screening kiosks, disinfection of surface areas and social distancing are still required.
In-person hearings with public attendance will resume July 1, at least for most cases. Remote hearings will still take place for inmates in detention as well as other hearings like pretrial nonevidentiary hearings in domestic or probate cases. Remote hearings may also be allowed in “good cause” cases such as an increased risk of severe illness connected to COVID-19.
As a rule, live streaming will only take place for remote hearings or when attendance exceeds courtroom limits.
