PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
This Court issues this Fourteenth General Order in response to the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Ohio. This Order is to be read to modify the previous thirteen Orders issued by the Court.
There are multiple confirmed cases of COVID-19 throughout the United States, Ohio, and Clermont County. The Governor of the State of Ohio, Michael DeWine, has declared a state of emergency (Executive Order 2020-OID) which, among other restrictions, limits large indoor gatherings. The Governor’s Declaration follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “Interim Guidance,” recommending that all employers consider how best to decrease the spread of COVID-19, including the review of guidance from state and local health officials. Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html (last updated February 26, 2020).
On March 22, 2020 then Ohio Director of Public Health, Dr. Amy Acton, issued a Stay at Home Order (Director’s Order that All Persons Stay at Home Unless Engaged in Essential Work or Activity). Dr. Acton’s Order placed additional restrictions on the public’s movement and association with others in the interest of preserving the public health. Following Dr. Acton’s Order, Governor DeWine issued a Shelter in Place Order to the public.
On April 27, 2020, Governor DeWine modified his previous Shelter in Place Order by easing restrictions on surgeries and certain consumer and retail services. The easing of many of the previously imposed restrictions began on May 4, 2020. Included in Governor DeWine’s Order were general safe business practices that all businesses must follow. http://www.governor.ohio.gov.
On May 26, 2020, Governor DeWine modified his previous orders by issuing an Order entitled Responsible Restart. The Order allows many businesses to reopen and imposed restrictions on how many individuals can be inside a business at one time. The Responsible Restart Order did not change the requirement that businesses require six feet of separation between patrons. It did not change the requirement that employees of businesses wear facial coverings.
Given the outbreak of cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and the severity of risk posed to the public, and given the CDC mandate and the Governor’s most recent declarations, and pursuant to a finding of good cause pursuant to O.R.C. § 2945.72 (H), it is hereby ORDERED that, the Clermont County Municipal Court shall be open for normal business, subject to the following restrictions:
- Public access to the Clermont County Municipal Courthouse shall be limited to parties to cases (Plaintiffs, the State of Ohio, and Defendants), attorneys, alleged victims, subpoenaed witnesses in criminal cases, witnesses in civil cases, media, police officers, people on reporting probation, mail carriers, and supply deliverers.
- The Court will conduct arraignments, bond hearings, pre-trials, plea or trial settings, and all contested matters including jury trials. The Court will conduct all civil hearings, including evictions, garnishments, replevins, and consider requests for driving privileges.
- Courtroom access shall be limited to no more than ten (10) people at a time, or a number set by the Court, in its discretion.
- All members of the public must maintain six feet of separation between themselves and others unless contact between court staff and the public is necessary for court operations. The Court will determine when contact is necessary.
- Any person entering the courthouse must wear a facial covering, which covers the wearer’s nose and mouth. Members of the public may bring their own masks. If a member of the public does not have a mask, the Court will provide a mask.
- Any person entering the courthouse must submit to his or her temperature being taken by the Clermont County Sheriff or someone designated by the Court.
- The Court has the authority to deny access to the courthouse or remove from the courthouse anyone who fails to abide by the terms of this order.
This generic order will remain in effect until it is modified by the Court.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
This order is effective upon journalization. This order is in compliance with Sup.R.9, App C. Standard 7. This order applies to the Clermont County Municipal Court, 4430 State Route 222, Batavia, Ohio 45103.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
