Officials release reopening plan for Del. courts

WILMINGTON, Del. – The Delaware Courts Reopening Committee has recommended to Chief Just Collins Seitz Jr. a phased approach to reopening court facilities and increasing court operations.

The reopening plan does not set any firm dates or deadlines to move from phase to phase, leaving that decision up to the Chief Justice in consultation with the Supreme Court.

Phase One will be a “soft opening”, allowing attorneys and a limited number of other professionals who have business with the courts to return to the building. New safety protocols will be enforced, including heightened screening at courthouse entrances, temperature checks, and COVID-19 questionnaires. All visitors will be asked to use hand sanitizer at sanitizing stations, wearing face coverings, and observe social distancing rules. There will also be a four person limit per elevator in the courthouses. The number and type of proceedings held will increase, including a resumption of Delaware Supreme Court oral arguments, and courthouse staff will be increased. The total number of visitors to 25 percent of the building’s total capacity.

Phase Two will reopen court facilities to the public with the same protocols as Phase One. In addition, no more than 10 visitors will be allowed in a courtroom or in public areas near courtrooms. Proceedings involving non-incarcerated individuals will resume including non-jury civil and criminal trials. Jury trails will remain on hold, while Grand Jury proceedings will resume. Building occupancy will be limited to 50 percent.

Phase Three will increase the number of people allowed in courtrooms and public areas to 50 and allow the resumption of civil and criminal jury trials. More in-person proceedings will resume and incarcerated defendants will once again be brought into the courthouse rather than appearing only by video. Court staffing can increase to no more than 75 percent and building occupancy will be limited to 75 percent.

Phase Four will mark a return to full operations, although that may include maintaining certain safety procedures and an increased use of technology as established during the emergency and phased reopening period. Court staffing and building occupancy will return to 100 percent.

We’re told that reopening is currently scheduled to begin during the week of June 8th.