CANTON, Ohio — Everyone who enters the Stark County General Division of the Court of Common Pleas continues to be asked to wear a mask despite the state relaxing COVID-19 restrictions last month.
According to court administrator Dwaine Hemphill, those who enter will be asked to wear a mask. He said an exemption is given to those who “choose” to show proof of vaccination status.
Hemphill said the decision to maintain a mask policy in the court was made in early June. At the time, hospitalizations in the area were above the statewide average, he said.
Hemphill said division judges continue to monitor public health reports in deciding courthouse protocols.
Hemphill said that the court’s judges feel a “strong duty” to protect those who have no choice but to enter a courthouse.
“They had no choice when they are summoned, it’s a court hearing,” he said about over 100 jurors being summoned this week. “We had 99 hearings. These accused citizens have no choice; they have to appear.”
As of Wednesday, 44.5% of the county’s residents have had at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, per state data. While the majority of residents over age 50 have gotten a shot in Stark County, most people ages 18-49 in Stark County have not gotten a shot.
