Thursday March 28th, 2024 7:06PM

Hall, Dawson courts bring back mask mandate as COVID cases rise

Rising COVID cases have prompted Hall County courts to reinstate mask mandates for courtroom proceedings. 

According to Jason Stephenson, court administrator for the Northeastern Judicial Circuit, masks will be required for all courtroom proceedings, regardless of a person's vaccination status.

The order, signed by Chief Judge Kathlene Gosselin, goes into effect Monday in the Northeastern Judicial Circuit. 

The mandate applies to anyone who enters the courtroom as well as jurors who are in the jury assembly room or jury deliberation room. 

"The temporary order from Chief Judge Kathlene F. Gosselin continues to recognize the severe threat to public health posed by the delta variant of the COVID-19 virus, while allowing the critical work performed by the judicial system to continue uninterrupted," Stephenson said. "Judicial officials continue to monitor local COVID-19 data and consult with state and local health experts, being mindful of the court's power to compel people to attend proceedings."

Stephenson said that since the Georgia Supreme Court's ban on jury proceedings expired in March, the circuit has completed 30 jury trials and has made significant progress on the pileup of superior court cases. 

The circuit's revised safety measures encourage virtual court proceedings as well as the avoidance of court calendars that would include large gatherings of individuals. 

 

 

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  • Associated Tags: hall county, Northeastern Judicial Circuit, Hall County courts, masks, mask mandate, COVID
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