CHARLESTON, W.Va. — One day after a court system employee in Kanawha County tested positive for coronavirus, the Supreme Court declared a judicial emergency.
The order extends until April 10 and applies to all 55 West Virginia counties.
It indicates emergency proceedings to protect immediate health or safety may still be held, preferably by video conference or telephone.
Otherwise, all proceedings in the effective period are automatically stayed, to be rescheduled at a later date. Deadlines are also extended.
West Virginia Supreme Court Declares Judicial Emergency to Reduce In-Person Proceedings. See release at https://t.co/mAEqQ0ENa3.
— West Virginia Courts (@WVcourts) March 23, 2020
“Medical experts have consistently advised that in-person contact should be eliminated in all instances where such limitation is possible,” Chief Justice Tim Armstead stated.
“We believe it is our responsibility to limit such in-person contact to the fullest extent possible while ensuring that our courts address emergency matters necessary to protect the health or safety of our individual citizens and our communities.”
?Judicial Emergency Declared in West Virginia?
March 23-April 10
Doing everything we can to protect health and safety of all while keeping the courts available for emergent matters
Link to full press release and order https://t.co/k7bpo65e76 pic.twitter.com/QPwKHUcaRP
— Justice Beth Walker (@bethwalkr) March 23, 2020
A positive case announced Saturday in Kanawha County was generally identified as a court system employee who has been hospitalized.
The court is working closely with the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department to directly contact all co-workers who may have been in contact with the individual, according to a statement from the court system. Coworkers are being notified of all recommended health and safety protocols.
The Kanawha County Commission, under the direction of Kanawha Charleston Health Officer Sherri Young, ordered the judicial building be immediately closed to the public.
Health officials said the patient had significant access to the building, which houses circuit court, magistrate court, family court and the offices of the Kanawha County Clerk.