Courts Attleboro and Statewide To Reduce In-Person Operations

ATTLEBORO, MA—Courts in Attleboro and statewide have announced that they will reduce in-person appearances and operations and use video conferencing more from November 27 until December 4.

This decision was made due to the increasing number of COVID-19 in Massachusetts and as part of an effort to follow the guidance of medical experts, said court spokesperson Erika Gully-Santiago in a statement on Monday.

“Based on the growth rate over the last two weeks in exposure and positive tests for staff and court users, which resulted in court closures, Trial Court leaders have concluded that this plan is the best approach to balancing the need to provide access to courts and protecting the health and safety of court staff and court users,” said Gully-Santiago.

During this time, courthouses will remain open. However, scheduled proceedings will be held virtually and most Trial Court operations will be conducted remotely to the extent possible.

"The reduction of in person hearings has the potential to significantly limit presymptomatic individuals from entering courthouses, and reduces the potential of those individuals infecting others," said Gully-Santiago.

Last month, Attleboro District Court closed in October after a lawyer tested positive for COVID-19. Several other courts throughout the state have also closed for limited periods of time due to COVID-19 exposure.

Those who have questions regarding court matters scheduled from November 27 until December 4 should contact the appropriate clerk’s, register’s, or recorder’s office, said Gully-Santiago.