If you will be entering the court house, you are required to wear a face covering as of July 13, 2020, with the exception of the County Mayor’s office. Circuit Court Clerk Susan Martin received the ruling by the Supreme Court Friday morning. This ruling remains in effect until further order of the Court.

The Chief Justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court declared a state of emergency for the Judicial Brand of Tennessee government and activated a Continuity of Operations Plan for the courts on March 13, 2020. On May 26, 2020 the Court eased the suspension of in-person court proceedings. In light of the continued spread of COVID-19 and the recommendations of federal and state authorities the Court has issued a mandatory requirement of face mask as of July 13, 2020.

The face covering must cover the nose and the mouth and be worn at all times while inside the building. Children age 12 and under are not required to wear a face covering. Parents or caregivers shall supervise the use of face covering by children to avoid misuse. Person who have trouble breathing due to an underlying health condition or who have another bona fide medical or health-related reason are not required to wear a face covering. Face coverings are not required in situations in which a face covering poses a safety or security risk.

These requirements apply to individuals who enter courthouses or buildings where court is being held for the purposes of conducting court business either at the court clerk’s office or in the courtroom. If court is in a building that share space with other offices, such as the county mayor, in DeKalb’s case, individuals who access that office are not subject to the requirements.