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Nashville, Tenn.–Tennessee Justice Sharon Lee announced last night that beginning Monday, anyone going to court must wear a mask and that includes all the parties, witnesses, lawyers and judges.
The Tennessee Supreme Court has issued the order requiring face masks in all state courthouses.
The face covering must cover both the mouth and nose and it must be worn at all times while you are in the building.
Chief Justice Jeff Bivins said, “The recent uptick in Covid-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths required the Court to reconsider how to best keep the public, court staff, and judiciary safe while keeping courts as open and accessible as possible.”
In Henry County, Circuit Court Clerk Mike Wilson asked the public to adhere to the regulations. He noted that many people bring face masks with them, but leave them in their car. “We will do our very best to have some masks available but having one for each attendee to every court session throughout our five courts would be very challenging but we will do our best,” he said.
He noted that masks are optional for patrons of other public offices within the courthouse and annex. “It is optional for those visiting other offices within the courthouse and courthouse annex but for in-person court proceedings it will be required beginning Monday until that requirement is repealed,” he said.