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Courts to open for business June 1

Posted

GALENA–On Monday, June 1, judges in the Illinois 15th judicial circuit will begin hearing essential cases.

On May 20, the Illinois Supreme Court modified its order of March 17, allowing this to happen.

Chief Judge Robert T. Hanson of the 15th judicial circuit has issued an administrative order giving permission for presiding judges in the district, which includes Jo Daviess County, to set schedules and ensure proper safety precautions to hear cases.

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Hanson’s order requires counties to allow for appropriate social distancing and to attempt reducing the number of people appearing for court appearances.

The order also requires face masks worn by members of the public when entering judicial facilities and appropriate social distancing signage and tape lines in public areas.

Not allowed are those with COVID-19 symptoms or those who have been in close contact with a person known to have the virus.

In addition, users of judicial facilities are being discouraged from bringing family and friends unless they are witnesses.