MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – The county is lifting COVID-19 restrictions and will begin in-person committee and board meetings later this month.
Muskegon County courts will provide increased in-person access although some measures will stay in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
The county’s state of emergency will end Tuesday, June 29, officials said Wednesday, June 23.
“In alignment with Governor Whitmer, Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Muskegon County plans to resume all business operations with COVID-19 restrictions lifted,” a statement issued by county administrator Mark Eisenbarth said.
Bob Scolnik, chairman of the Board of Commissioners, said: “We have been waiting for over a year to hear this great news and return to a pre-pandemic order of operations.”
The number of new coronavirus cases has been dropping rapidly.
The courts are acting on guidance from the State Court Administrator’s Office and local and state health officials. Courts will increase in-person access but continue with protective measures, including signs, hand-sanitizing stations, protective shields and barriers in courtrooms.
A brief health screening will be required or Hall of Justice visitors can use a QR code for faster entry.
Visitors will not have to wear masks but judges can order masks be worn by those particularly at risk from the coronavirus.
The public will be allowed access on June 29.
Here are hours for the courts:
- District Court will be open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday;
- Circuit, Family and Probate courts will be open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, with limited access on Fridays. On Sept. 6, there will be full access on Fridays.
- Circuit Court records and vital records: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, closed on Fridays. Beginning July 9, Fridays will be open.
- Other county departments in the Hall of Justice will be open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Courts will continue with hybrid hearings of in-person and remote appearances. Those with scheduled hearings should follow instructions on notices for appearances.
Jury trials are to resume immediately except in District Court, which will resume the week of July 5.
County officials encouraged residents to continue use of email and phone communication and electronic payments.
Read more:
Michigan courts brace for jury trials to start again after pandemic creates massive backlog
140 dogs, cats rescued from ‘overcrowded’ shelters in the Southeast arrive at Michigan airport
Muskegon insurance agent pleads guilty to embezzling from 42 clients