Masks no longer required in Manatee Judicial Center as covid cases continue to decline
Masks will no longer be mandatory for everyone who enters a courthouse in Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto counties, following an order from 12th Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Charles Roberts, citing a decline in positivity rates.
Beginning Monday, masks will still be strongly encouraged but not mandatory for everyone, Roberts ruled in an administrative order signed Thursday.
“Although the Center(s) for Disease Control and Prevention has determined that (while) the level of community transmission of COVID-19 is still substantial in Desoto and Manatee counties while dropping to moderate in Sarasota County, there has been such a significant drop in new case positivity rates in the three counties since mid-August that a relaxation of some restrictions is now appropriate,” Roberts said.
“The court finds that with these recent developments, a combination of mandatory physical distancing and strong encouragement (rather than a requirement) to wear face masks, would provide adequate safety to people in the courthouses.”
The rise in cases of COVID-19 fueled by the Delta variant over the summer prompted Roberts to reinstate all safety protocols and suspend jury trials. All COVID-19 protocols had previously been eliminated by former Chief Judge Kimberly Bonner in June.
Jury trials resumed on Sept. 27 after an order from Roberts days before that pointed to “new case positivity rates declining steadily to levels not seen since early July 2021.”
During the seven-period from Oct. 19-25, positivity rates have dropped in Sarasota County, from 18.6% to 2.5%; in Manatee County, from 19.4% to 4.0%, and in DeSoto County, from 24.2% to 6.5%, the chief judge cited, referencing CDC data available publicly online.
“However, due to the positivity rates of COVID-19 cases in all three counties within the circuit, it is still necessary to require physical distancing in courtrooms and hearing rooms and encourage the use of remote technology in order to limit the amount of people in the courthouse,” Roberts added in Thursday’s order.
Masks will still be highly encouraged to anyone entering any of the circuit’s courthouses, following CDC guidance that everyone wear masks in public areas regardless of vaccination status. Disposable masks will still be provided to anyone who wishes to wear a mask but forgets to bring one when coming to the courthouse.
Physical distancing will be enforced, including following signs indicating restricted seating in courtrooms and hearing rooms.
Judges also are still encouraged to hold court proceedings remotely when possible. However, while most hearings may now be held in person if physical distancing requirements are followed, any party in a case may request remote proceedings and the presiding is required to “give reasonable consideration to accommodating the request,” Roberts ordered.
