Governor Laura Kelly[1] announced on June 29th that she will sign an Executive Order on Thursday, July 2nd mandating masks in public places effective Friday, July 3rd. In expectation of that order, all visitors to the Topeka Municipal Court are being notified that masks or cloth face coverings will be required while in the building once Governor Kelly’s order takes effect. The court has a very limited supply of disposable masks, but all visitors will be expected to bring their own. Persons who do not have a cloth face covering or mask will not be allowed to enter the courthouse beginning the effective date of the executive order.
The Court will continue to observe the following:
- Only those with court business/probation appointments will be permitted in the building. Defendants should not bring family/friends/observers to their court hearings and should make all attempts for alternate childcare arrangements.
- To maintain appropriate social distancing and the maximum number of persons allowed in the courtrooms, defendants may be required to wait in the lobby or other areas during larger dockets.
- Defendants who report or are displaying symptoms of illness, are caring for someone ill, or are in a high risk category, should contact their attorney to request a continuance. Defendants without an attorney may file a motion for continuance. Defendants should expect to attend their court hearing until the continuance has been granted by a judge.
- Anyone entering the courthouse or probation office will be denied access as follows:
- If the person has been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with, or is suspected to have had, COVID-19 within the last 14 days;
- If the person is experiencing two or more of the COVID-19 symptoms[2] identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; or
- If the person has traveled within the previous 14 days to an area subject to COVID-19 travel restrictions imposed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment[3]
Anyone denied access to the courthouse for the above reasons, or who needs to request a continuance, may contact the Court Clerk’s Office at 785-368-3776 for instructions on rescheduling or otherwise completing their court business.
Please plan ahead when reporting to the courthouse to ensure you are able to complete your court business while keeping everyone safe.
[1] See Governor Laura Kelly’s official post on June 29th
[1] See CDC’s list of COVID-19 symptoms
[1] See KDHE’s Travel Exposure Related Isolation/Quarantine list