Kentucky’s vaccine distribution schedule moves to Phase 1C on March 1

As Kentucky begins to see its COVID-19 cases decline and its rate of vaccinations increase, the Supreme Court has amended two orders to allow courts to begin easing restrictions on in-person access. Administrative Order 2021-06 replaces Administrative Order 2021-01 in its entirety and Administrative Order 2021-07 replaces Administrative Order 2021-02 in its entirety. Both orders are effective April 1, 2021.

In addition to those rights provided by the U.S. Constitution, Section 14 of the Kentucky Constitution guarantees the citizens of this Commonwealth that “[a]ll courts shall be open, and every person for an injury done him in his lands, goods, person or reputation, shall have remedy by due course of law, and right and justice administered without sale, denial or delay.”

As I drove to work yesterday, I heard the news that 250,000 Americans have died from COVID-19, a catastrophe of historic proportions for our country. And closer to home, 112 of Kentucky’s 120 counties are in the red zone for COVID cases. Positive cases among court employees are on the rise. Our hospitals and health-care professionals are quickly becoming overwhelmed and the numbers are expected to continue to climb after the holidays.

I hope this email finds you safe and well as we head into our eighth month of the pandemic. I want you to know how proud I am of your perseverance as we find ourselves fighting “COVID fatigue.” I recognize that having to conduct remote proceedings, enforce social distancing, and sanitize courtrooms and workspaces is wearing thin but, even so, you continue to forge ahead with your dockets and safety measures.

Today the Supreme Court entered two orders that provide further guidance on how the Judicial Branch can safely carry out court operations. These orders clarify requirements for court facilities and proceedings, address staffing concerns raised by circuit court clerks, and provide updates on the handling of jury trials and evictions.