Coronavirus: Limited Courthouse Operations Order Extended

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the world, essential businesses, organizations, and government institutions have altered their operations, including the Will County Courthouse. Late last week, Chief Judge Richard C. Schoenstedt issued Administrative Order 2020-15 in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, which is an extension of Order 2020-08 and all subsequent COVID-19 orders and protocols. The extension will now run through Friday, May 15.

“Because of the continuing COVID-19 health emergency, we have extended our limited operations until May 15, 2020. We continue to face the challenges posed by this unprecedented health emergency and must take all measures necessary to ensure the safety of those interacting with the Court system. In consultation with my colleagues, the Trial Court Administrator, the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts and our justice partners, we believe that the extension of limited Court operations is prudent at this time,” Chief Judge Schoenstedt said.

Under the order, the following will continue to take place for the health of the community:

· Expanded use of technology

Illinois’ current stay-at-home order ends on April 30. However, Governor J.B. Pritzker is expected to make changes to the order as new models indicate that cases will likely peak in Illinois in mid-May.

Image via John Ferak/Patch Editor