May 28, 2021

Effective June 15, 2021

In re:  Revised COVID-19 Directives

Since May 2020, Missouri courts have been operating pursuant to phases set forth by this Court’s order and operational directives to best ensure the safety of judicial employees and the public.  Given the decrease in the national and local levels of COVID-19 cases and the effectiveness and availability of approved COVID-19 vaccines, the need for Missouri courts to conduct proceedings pursuant to operational phases as set forth in such orders and directives has abated.

Accordingly, pursuant to this Court’s constitutional authority to supervise the administration of the state judicial system, all appellate and circuit courts – including all associate, family, juvenile, treatment, municipal, and probate divisions – are no longer required to conduct court proceedings and courthouse activities pursuant to the previously prescribed operational phases.  Chief and presiding judges shall continue to: (1) monitor local health conditions; (2) consult with local health officials or departments regarding what, if any, precautionary measures are necessary in the community in which the courthouse or court facility is located; and (3) monitor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 guidelines and implement any new or amended guidelines as necessary to ensure the safety of those appearing or working in court facilities.

Based on local health conditions and the recommended CDC guidelines, chief and presiding judges may exercise their discretion in determining whether precautionary measures should be utilized to ensure the health and safety of those in the courtroom or court facility.  When conducting jury proceedings, courts and judges may continue to follow or implement any procedures set forth in this Court’s prior guidelines for jury proceedings, see April 6, 2021, order, “Procedures for Jury Proceedings During COVID-19 Pandemic” (now rescinded), that the court or judge finds necessary or useful for efficiently and safely carrying out such proceedings.

When possible, judges should consider continuing to allow vulnerable litigants, witnesses, victims, attorneys, and participants to appear or participate remotely or continue or postpone their required presence at the court facility.  Courts and judges continue to be encouraged, when appropriate, to utilize all available technologies – including teleconferencing and video conferencing.

Regardless of an individual employee’s vaccination status, judicial employees should return to work duties unless otherwise instructed by a supervisor.  Supervisors should encourage employees to receive an approved COVID-19 vaccine.  Supervisors should make reasonable accommodations in the workplace for employees who remain more vulnerable to COVID-19.  Courts should follow the CDC guidelines in determining whether an employee is required to quarantine following an exposure to someone who has COVID-19 or is suspected of having COVID-19.  Judicial employees may resume travel for work-related functions, and court committees and commissions may resume in-person meetings.

This order supersedes the March 26, 2021, COVID-19 order and operational directives and rescinds the following orders: (1) May 13, 2020, order, “Restrictions on Conducting In-Person Disciplinary Hearing Panel Proceedings During the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic”; (2) May 20, 2020, order, “Extension of Court Reporter Temporary Certificates During the COVID-19 Pandemic”; and (3) April 6, 2021, order, “Procedures for Jury Proceedings During COVID-19 Pandemic.”

This order becomes effective and must be followed on and after June 15, 2021, but chief and presiding judges may implement prior to that date.