MANSFIELD — Richland County’s Common Pleas Court judges have established guidelines for the re-opening of the local judicial system during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The five judges said their guidelines address “safe operation tempered with minimizing interference with the public’s liberty,” and comply with directives from the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Supreme Court.
The notice is signed by general division Judges Brent Robinson and Phillip Naumoff, Domestic Relations Court Judge Heather Cockley, Probate Court Judge Philip Mayer and Juvenile Court Judge Steve McKinley.
Under the guidelines:
— Face coverings and/or masks should be worn by all employees and the public doing business, unless these face coverings/masks are not advisable due to health reasons, or are not practical due to work responsibilities or where the employee works alone in an assigned work area.
— Employees shall maintain and practice social distancing of at least 6 feet whenever possible.
— Supervisors shall ensure employees are fit for duty on a daily basis.
— Frequent cleaning of regularly touched surfaces is required, especially in common areas, the nature of which is to be determined by each court or department.
— Limit large gatherings of people whenever possible to do so.
— Require the front door security to take the temperature and ask three questions to all visitors to the courthouse:
1. Have you experienced any of the following symptoms over the past three days — fever, new cough, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, or had shortness of breath?
2. Have you been tested for or diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 14 days?
3. Have you been in close contact with anyone confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19 in the past 14 days?
If the answer is “no” to all questions, the visitor’s temperature will be taken. If it’s under 100 degrees, they will be allowed to enter. If any of the answers are “yes” or the visitor’s temp is more than 100 degrees, they will be denied entry.
These rules will remain in effect until the judges may amend, modify or revoke them.
