Update on our Circuit Court procedures in effect until at least May 17, 2020 pursuant to Supreme Court of Virginia order declaring a judicial emergency (link below). Essential points from previous orders in regards to the general public:
1) Courtroom attendance is limited to attorneys, parties, and necessary witnesses and members of the press in any matters that cannot be continued. For parties required to be in court, social distancing practices will be required within the building.
2) Individuals with legitimate court business who are ill, caring for someone who is ill, or is otherwise in a high-risk category, as defined by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), are required to call the local clerk of court (540-564-3111) to request an appropriate accommodation.
3) Entry to the building may be denied for individuals who have:
a. visited China, Iran, South Korea, any European countries, or any other high-risk countries identified by the CDC in the previous 14 days;
b. traveled domestically within the United States where COVID-19 has sustained widespread community transmission;
c. been asked to quarantine, isolate, or self-monitor by any doctor, hospital, or health agency;
d. been diagnosed with, or have had contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with, COVID-19;
e. a fever, cough, or shortness of breath; or
f. resided with or been in close contact with any person in the above-mentioned categories.
Individuals attempting to enter the court in violation of these protocols may be denied entrance by a bailiff or court security officer, and may be directed to contact the clerk’s office by telephone or other remote means to inform the clerk of their business before the court so as to receive further instruction regarding alternate arrangements for court access.