On Thursday August 26th, Tennessee's high court clarified and extended its May 14th order that removed mask requirements and capacity limits, and also reduced mandatory physical distance in Tennessee courtrooms. Over a one-justice dissent, the Court reiterated its position that judges are responsible for the rules in their courtrooms, but encouraged those judges to require facial coverings and otherwise follow CDC guidance. However, the order does prohibit judges from requiring or allowing anyone to appear in court who has tested positive for COVID-19, displays symptoms, or who has come into close contact with a person who has the virus.
How might this impact Hamilton County? It is unclear as of today. The Eleventh Judicial District has not yet posted any updates to its Written Plan in response to the order, but future updates will likely be available at https://www.hamiltontn.gov/Courts.aspx.
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