CHARLESTON — West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals Chief Justice Evan Jenkins has issued an order lifting a mask mandate for the state's court system.
Jenkins' June 25 order suspended the court's COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols until further notice. It also noted some exceptions.
"Courts may continue to hold hearings and proceeding using remove technology where appropriate," the order states. "Courts should continue to avoid scheduling 'call dockets' to reduce prolonged waiting periods in lobbies, common areas and courtrooms."
Justice Evan H. Jenkins
| courtswv.gov
All COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols regarding incarcerated individuals will still remain in place and if a localized outbreak occurs, a chief circuit judge or chief family judge and issue temporary orders.
“Hearings involving incarcerated individuals should still utilize video conferencing to reduce the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak in a regional jail or corrections facility,” Jenkins wrote in the order.
"Judicial officers are empowered to respond to local concerns and may take additional steps that are reasonably necessary, such as mask mandates and reduced capacity in courtrooms," the order states.
Jenkins noted in the order that while the order suspends the minimum standards previously adopted, each judicial officers may implement COVID-19 safety standards that are reasonably necessary to address specific health and safety concerns in their courtrooms and courthouses.
The order also states that the court will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and can reinstate the protocols if circumstances change.
Gov. Jim Justice lifted the statewide mask mandate on June 20 — West Virginia Day — by signing an executive order. Face coverings must still be worn where required by federal law. Private businesses or school systems can still require individuals to wear a face covering.
