CLEVELAND — Editor's note: Video in the player at the top of this story was originally published from President Biden's State of the Union address in which he discussed the COVID pandemic on March 1, 2022.
As new infections of COVID-19 continue the downward trend, the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas has updated its mask policy.
Here are the new mask requirements now in place for anyone who enters the court:
- When Cuyahoga County is at a “High” level, all staff and public must wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status.
- When Cuyahoga County is at a “Medium” level, staff and public may choose, but are not required, to wear a mask if they are at a higher risk for severe illness or caring for someone who is at a higher risk for severe illness.
- When Cuyahoga County is at a “Low” level, staff and public may choose, but are not required, to wear a mask based on personal preference.
- Any person who has COVID-19 symptoms, has been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or who has tested positive for COVID-19 must wear a mask for 10 days following the date of exposure or positive COVID-19 test.
- Any person who is unvaccinated is strongly encouraged to wear a mask at all times while in a Court facility.
Court officials said the decision was made jointly by the Administrative judges for each division.
“This is another step toward normalizing the day-to-day operations of the Court,” says Judge Sheehan, who is also the Presiding Judge of the four Common Pleas divisions. “We have always followed the CDC recommendations in order to keep our staff and public safe.”
Cuyahoga County is currently under the “medium” level. Court officials say they will monitor the CDC’s updated levels on a weekly basis.