The Missouri Supreme Court announced Wednesday that it would extend the statewide suspension of most in-person court proceedings to May 1 in response to the COVID-19 emergency.
The state's high court had earlier set April 17 as the end of the suspension.
Despite the restrictions, the court said in a news release, "the state's courts remain open to conduct necessary business, though access to court buildings - including the Supreme Court Building on High Street in Jefferson City - has been limited to help prevent the spread of the disease."
The order does not affect a court's ability to consider or rule on matters and does not affect required deadlines through the state's electronic filing system.
The order authorizes local courts to determine how best to conduct the excepted proceedings and other necessary court business.
At the Cole County Courthouse, Presiding Judge Pat Joyce has said no in-person hearings will be held - except for orders of protection and others approved by a judge. The local court is doing jail dockets via video from the Cole County Jail and other corrections facilities.
People with questions about the status of particular cases should check Case.net, ask their attorney or contact the local clerk's office. In Cole County, the clerk's office can be reached at 573-634-9171.
Those in Cole County who need to file an order of protection or a continuance should email [email protected]. Joyce urged those needing to contact the clerk to use this email when possible and include their case numbers.
[<a href="https://www.newstribune.com/news/health/" style="color:#33AEFF">access the News Tribune Health section</a>]