Courts to stick with COVID protocols, including wearing of masks

Courts to stick with COVID protocols, including wearing of masks

Despite Gov. Greg Abbott’s relaxation of COVID-19 protocols that took effect Wednesday, courts in Hood County will continue to play it safe.

County Court-at-Law Judge Vincent Messina updated the Hood County News on that situation on Tuesday after the newspaper had gone to press with its Wednesday issue.

He indicated that the decision involved the continued concerns of Hood County Public Health Authority Dr. David Blocker.

Blocker issued a press release Monday, his first in several months, warning that despite the governor’s actions the COVID-19 pandemic is not over.

“After consultation and review of the report from Dr. Blocker it was concluded that we would continue under the protocols approved by our regional presiding judge, David Evans,” Messina stated.

“These protocols were re-certified several weeks ago and include the wearing of face coverings while in the courtroom and in the halls and conference rooms, social distancing, and frequent hand sanitation.”

He continued, “We will continue to consult with Dr. Blocker and should he elevate the county above the ‘substantial risk’ category, we will reassess the situation at that time.”

The Office of Court Administration and the Texas Supreme Court have also been guiding courts on how best to safely operate during the pandemic.

Tuesday morning the Commissioners Court voted 4-1 to remove all COVID-19-related signage from public areas on county property effective Wednesday with the exception of “courthouses and courtrooms.”

Precinct 2 Commissioner Ron Cotton voted against removing the signage.