Face coverings at all Tennessee Courthouses became mandatory Monday, according to an order from the state Supreme Court.
Nearly anyone entering a courthouse or other building where court proceedings are being held will be required to wear a face mask at all times.
The mandate expands a previous declaration of a state of emergency in the state’s court system as a response to the coronavirus.
According to Carroll County Circuit Court First Deputy Melissa Jennette, all persons involved in court must wear a mask. She spoke in the absence of Circuit Court Clerk Sarah Bradberry.
The courthouse has been closed since the last of March except for proceedings for general sessions, circuit, juvenile and chancery courts.
“Only people involved in court proceedings are allowed inside the courthouse,” said Jennette.
When court is in session a deputy with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department is stationed at the east door of the courthouse. The temperature of each person entering the courthouse will be taken. A face mask will be given to those who don’t have one and hand sanitizer will be available, according to Jennette.
Children under 12 and persons with breathing issues due to an underlying health condition or other “bona fide” medical conditions are not required to wear the masks.
Chief Justice Jeffery S. Bivins declared the start of the emergency on March 13 that was extended May 26 and mandated for jurors to wear masks.
