Task forces to plan return to in-person court services

Kentucky’s chief justice said Friday he has formed three task forces to plan how the state’s courts will resume in-person services.

It’s the latest sign of plans for gradual reopenings as the state deals with the coronavirus outbreak.

A Supreme Court justice will head each task force, one each for circuit, family and district courts, Chief Justice John D. Minton Jr. said. Judges and circuit clerks will serve as task force members.

“As Kentucky begins to gradually reopen business, the courts must prepare to do the same,” Minton said. “Although in-person services are suspended until May 31, our next priority is a reopening plan that respects social distancing while allowing greater access to the courts.”

Resumption of in-person court services will be done in a “limited, phased approach” to ensure the health of court personnel and the public, he said in an email to judicial branch employees.

Gov. Andy Beshear has announced plans for phased reopenings of businesses, factories and churches in May as Kentucky reboots much of an economy shut down by the coronavirus.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up within weeks.