Kentucky
Court of Justice

COVID-19 and the Kentucky Courts

In response to the Delta variant outbreak, the Supreme Court amended two orders on Aug. 9, 2021, to reflect the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control. The Supreme Court strongly encourages the wearing of masks in judicial buildings along with other changes, which are noted below.

Administrative Order 2021-27 replaces Administrative Order 2021-16 and includes these changes:

  • Clarifies that use of masks or other facial coverings is strongly encouraged for all individuals, in compliance with current CDC guidelines.
  • Clarifies that the chief circuit judge, in consultation with the chief district judge and the circuit clerk, can mandate use of masks for an entire judicial facility.
  • Updates list of individuals at high risk for COVID-19, per current CDC guidance.
  • Updates and consolidates the list of quarantine/isolation requirements by referring to current CDC guidance.
  • Deletes outdated language regarding renewal of expired driver’s licenses, permits and identification cards.

Administrative Order 2021-28 replaces Administrative Order 2021-17 and includes these changes:

  • Deletes obsolete language regarding grand juries and show cause dockets.
  • Updates list of individuals at high risk for COVID-19, per current CDC guidance.
  • Deletes language referring to the expired CDC moratorium on evictions. .

You can email questions or concerns to COVIDCourtConcerns@kycourts.net.

      Court System Preparedness & Response

      Administrative Order 2021-32, Sept. 3, 2021, (Amends Administrative Order 2021-21) COVID-19 Vaccine Leave, COVID-19 Testing Leave, and Emergency Sick Leave for Kentucky Court of Justice Employees

      Administrative Order 2021-29, Aug. 11, 2021, (Amends Administrative Order 2020-77) Kentucky Court of Justice Response to COVID-19 Emergency: Amended Emergency Release Schedule

      Administrative Order 2021-28, Aug. 9, 2021, (Replaces Administrative Order 2021-17) Kentucky Court of Justice Response to COVID-19 Emergency: Court Proceedings

      Administrative Order 2021-27, Aug. 9, 2021, (Replaces Administrative Order 2021-16) Kentucky Court of Justice Response to COVID-19 Emergency: Health and Safety Requirements

      Administrative Order 2021-25, Rescinding Section1(c) of Administrative Order 2020-77

      Administrative Order 2021-21, June 10, 2021 (Replaces Administrative Order 2020-03) COVID-19 Vaccine Leave for Kentucky Court of Justice Employees

      Administrative Order 2021-17, May 18, 2021 (Replaces Administrative Order 2020-07) Kentucky Court of Justice Response to COVID-19 Emergency: Court Proceedings

      Administrative Order 2021-16, May 18, 2021 (Replaces Administrative Order 2020-06) Kentucky Court of Justice Response to COVID-19 Emergency: Health and Safety Requirements

      Administrative Order 2021-03, Jan. 12, 2021 (Replaces Administrative Order 2020-66) Work Alternatives for High-Risk Employees and Asymptomatic COVID Testing Leave for Kentucky Court of Justice Employees in a Pandemic or Public Health Emergency

      Administrative Order 2020-77, Dec. 17, 2020 (Amends Administrative Order 2020-67, dated Sept. 25, 2020) Amended Emergency Release Schedule and Pretrial Drug Testing Standards

      Administrative Order 2020-66, Sept. 25, 2020 (Amends Administrative Order 2020-58, Aug. 7, 2020) Amended Emergency Release Schedule and Pretrial Drug Testing Standards

      Administrative Order 2020-65, Sept. 15, 2020 (Amends Administrative Order 2020-46, dated May 29, 2020) Custody and Parenting Time Orders

      Administrative Order 2020-64, Aug. 28, 2020: Kentucky Court of Justice Response to COVID-19 Emergency: Expansion of Court Proceedings (Amends Supreme Court Order 2020-56, dated July 27, 2020)

      Administrative Order 2020-63, Aug. 28, 2020: Kentucky Court of Justice Response to COVID-19 Emergency: Health and Safety Requirements (Amends Supreme Court Order 2020-55, dated July 27, 2020)

      Administrative Order 2020-62, Aug. 21, 2020 (Administrative Order 2020-62 was entered Aug. 21, 2020, to amend Order 2020-59.) Jefferson County Eviction Diversion Pilot Project

      Administrative Order 2020-61, Aug. 17, 2020 (Administrative Order 2020-61 was entered Aug. 17, 2020, to amend Order 2020-50.) Administration of 2020 Bar Examination

      Administrative Order 2020-60, Aug. 17, 2020: Amendments to the Rules of the Supreme Court

      Administrative Order 2020-47, May 29, 2020 (Replaces in its entirety Administrative Order 2020-23, dated April 14, 2020) Flexible Staffing Guidelines for Court Clerks in a Pandemic or Public Health Emergency

      Administrative Order, May 20, 2020: Extension of Continuing Judicial Education Reporting Deadline and Waiver of Limitation on Recorded Activities

      Administrative Order, May 19, 2020: Kentucky Court of Justice Response to COVID-19 Emergency: Expansion of Court Proceedings

      Administrative Order May 15, 2020: Kentucky Court of Justice Response to COVID-19 Emergency - Health and Safety Requirements for the Expansion of Court Operations

      Administrative Order May 5, 2020 (Administrative Order 2020-32, dated May 5, 2020, replaces in its entirety Administrative Order 2020-14, dated March 27, 2020.) Custody and Parenting Time Orders

      Administrative Order April 30, 2020 (Administrative Order 2020-31, dated April 30, 2020, replaces in its entirety Administrative Order 2020-15, dated March 31, 2020.) Deadline for Reporting Continuing Legal Education Activities

      Administrative Order April 28, 2020 (Administrative Order 2020-29, dated April 28, 2020, replaces in its entirety Administrative Order 2020-17, dated April 1, 2020.) Extension of Filing Deadlines for Supreme Court of Kentucky and Kentucky Court of Appeals

      Administrative Order April 24, 2020 (Administrative Order 2020-28, dated April 24, 2020, replaces in its entirety Administrative Order 2020-22, dated April 14, 2020.) Kentucky Court of Justice Response to COVID-19 Emergency

      Administrative Order April 23, 2020 (Administrative Order 2020-27, dated April 23, 2020, replaces in its entirety Administrative Order 2020-25, dated April 14, 2020.) Kentucky Court of Justice Emergency Release Schedule for Pretrial Defendants and Emergency Pretrial Drug Testing Standards in Response to COVID-19 Emergency

      Administrative Order April 14, 2020 (Administrative Order 2020-23, dated April 14, 2020, replaces in its entirety Administrative Order 2020-18, dated April 3, 2020.) Flexible Staffing Guidelines for Court Clerks in a Pandemic or Public Health Emergency

      Administrative Order April 14, 2020 (Administrative Order 2020-24, dated April 14, 2020, replaces in its entirety Administrative Order 2020-20, dated April 7, 2020.) Special Emergency Directed Leave for Kentucky Court of Justice Employees in a Pandemic or Public Health Emergency

      Administrative Order April 3, 2020: Amendment to the By-Laws of the Kentucky Bar Association

      Administrative Order March 31, 2020: Deadline for Reporting Continuing Legal Education Activities

      September 27, 2021: Entrance signs regarding masks being encouraged or mandated are now available in other languages

      September 3, 2021: Judicial Branch expands vaccine leave, reinstates testing leave and COVID-19 sick leave

      August 11, 2021: Supreme Court releases order amending emergency release schedule

      August 9, 2021: Latest changes to KCOJ COVID-19 Health and Safety Requirements

      July 28, 2021: CDC changes mask recommendations in wake of COVID escalation

      July 21, 2021: COVID cases driven by Delta variant call for renewed precautions

      June 16, 2021: Public entrance sign lifting most COVID-19 restrictions now available in 12 languages

      May 19, 2021: New public entrance sign reflects Supreme Court lifting most COVID restrictions

      May 18, 2021: Supreme Court lifts most COVID-19 restrictions, changes effective immediately

      May 14, 2021: Fully Vaccinated KCOJ Employees & Elected Officials No Longer Required to Wear Masks in KCOJ Facilities

      March 30, 2021: Announcing latest changes to COVID-19 Health and Safety Requirements

      March 9, 2021: COVID-19 Health and Safety Measures Still in Place as Vaccine Distribution Continues

      March 5, 2021: Update Regarding Vaccination Registration

      March 4, 2021: Announcing COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic for Kentucky Court of Justice Personnel

      February 26, 2021: Orders Corrected, Supreme Court allows courts to begin easing COVID-19 restrictions

      February 25, 2021: Supreme Court issues orders allowing courts to begin easing COVID-19 restrictions

      February 4, 2021: How to Determine Your Eligibility for COVID-19 Vaccinations

      January 13, 2021: COVID-19 Vaccinations for Kentucky Court of Justice Personnel

      January 6, 2021: Supreme Court extends restrictions on jury trials, grand juries until April 1

      December 22, 2020: COVID-19 Vaccination Schedule in Kentucky

      November 20, 2020: Supreme Court amends court operations statewide to address escalating COVID cases

      October 29, 2020: Guidelines for COVID precautions in red zones as cases surge this fall and winter

      September 25, 2020: Supreme Court amends orders related to high-risk employees emergency release schedule

      September 15, 2020: Supreme Court amends Custody and Parenting Time order

      September 3, 2020: Latest public entrance signs now available in 12 commonly used languages

      August 28, 2020: Supreme Court enters amended orders related to in-person testimony and evictions

      August 17, 2020: Supreme Court announces 2 orders related to administration of Kentucky bar exam

      August 10, 2020: Supreme Court announces pilot project to reduce eviction cases in Jefferson County

      August 7, 2020: Asymptomatic court employees now eligible for paid leave to obtain COVID-19 testing

      July 31, 2020: Announcing changes to COVID-19 Health and Safety Requirements for court personnel

      July 29, 2020: Public entrance signs updated to reflect Supreme Court orders issued July 27

      July 27, 2020: Supreme Court provides new guidance on staffing access to court facilities jury trials evictions

      July 21, 2020: What to do if a court employee tests positive for or is exposed

      June 12, 2020: 60 day deadline for travel vouchers temporarily waived due to COVID-19 disruptions

      June 9, 2020: New public entrance signs about reopening procedures now available in 12 languages

      June 5, 2020: Addressing bumps in the road as we plan for Reopening Week 2

      May 30, 2020: Court facilities must post new public entrance signs about reopening procedures

      May 29, 2020: Supreme Court provides updates on how courts will expand services starting June 1

      May 29, 2020: Circuit Court Clerks to resume limited driver's license services statewide June 1

      May 19, 2020: Guidance on jury trials as courts plan to gradually expand operations June 1

      May 15, 2020: Judicial Branch announces plan to resume limited in-person court services starting June 1

      May 14, 2020: Announcing cost-cutting measures for Judicial Branch effective May 15 2020

      May 8, 2020: Updated Facilities Closed sign announces in-person services suspended until May 31

      May 6, 2020: Supreme Court extends guidance on custody and parenting time orders to May 31 2020

      May 1, 2020: Reopening Task Forces will prepare courts to resume limited in-person services

      April 24, 2020: Your civility and cooperation are helping us get through these trying times

      April 24, 2020: Supreme Court issues additional guidance on handling court matters during pandemic

      April 23, 2020: Supreme Court amends emergency release schedule clarifies that order applies only to new arrests

      April 17, 2020: Taking additional steps to flatten the curve protect defendants and court partners

      April 14, 2020: Supreme Court issues emergency release schedule, pretrial drug testing standards

      April 14, 2020: Supreme Court extends 3 orders governing courts during pandemic to May 31

      April 10, 2020: Signage Notice for Posting at Public Entrances

      April 10, 2020: Message from Chief Justice In uncertain times spring is still a season of new beginnings

      April 8, 2020: Social distancing more important than ever as COVID-19 cases expected to peak

      April 3, 2020: Judicial Branch gets a budget courts enact more stringent social distancing measures

      April 3, 2020: 50/50 staffing schedule for offices of circuit and appellate clerks

      April 2, 2020: Court facilities must post 2 new public entrance signs restricting access

      April 1, 2020: Supreme Court suspends in-person services at court facilities, requires court proceedings

      March 31, 2020: Supreme Court order gives attorneys more time to complete continuing legal education

      March 27, 2020: Thanks for another week of working together during state of emergency

      March 27, 2020: Supreme Court provides guidance for custody and parenting time orders

      March 26, 2020: Supreme Court issues new amendments to order limiting in-person court proceedings

      March 25, 2020: Public entrance sign for court facilities now available in 9 languages

      March 24, 2020: Judicial Branch is providing essential services during pandemic

      March 20, 2020: Time to focus on looming COVID-19 crisis in Kentucky's overcrowded jails

      March 20, 2020: Further Guidance and Sample Orders for Issuing Quarantine Orders

      March 20, 2020: Chief Justice Minton sends thanks to Judicial Branch family for amazing work

      March 19, 2020: Introducing 50/50 staffing schedule for offices of circuit and appellate clerks

      March 17, 2020: Supreme Court issues new amendments to order restricting court proceedings during pandemic

      March 17, 2020: Judicial Branch announces guide to govern personnel actions during COVID-19 outbreak

      March 17, 2020: Guidance for Issuing Quarantine Orders

      March 17, 2020: Driver's license offices to close by 5 p.m. March 17 for social distancing

      March 17, 2020: Court personnel urged to remain calm as Judicial Branch prepares to take additional measures

      March 13, 2020: Notice to post attached sign at all public entrances to your court facility

      March 13, 2020: AMENDED ORDER Supreme Court places restrictions on court proceedings

      March 12, 2020: Supreme Court restricts court proceedings to observe social distancing

      March 11, 2020: Legal guidance on handling isolation and quarantine orders

      March 11, 2020: KCOJ suspends out-of-state travel, discourages large-group meetings

      March 10, 2020: Kentucky Personnel Cabinet provides protocols for state employees

      March 9, 2020: Judicial Branch's response to COVID-19

      February 26, 2020: Judicial Branch Preparing in event of coronavirus outbreak in Kentucky

      The Supreme Court addressed the latest surge in COVID-19 cases statewide by amending two orders to limit in-person court proceedings and restrict access to judicial facilities. Administrative Order 2020-71 replaces order 2020-63 in its entirety and Administrative Order 2020-72 replaces order 2020-64 in its entirety. Both orders were effective Nov. 30, 2020, and pertain to all 120 counties.

      Circuit Court

      2nd Judicial Circuit: McCracken Circuit Court

      4th Judicial Circuit: Hopkins Circuit, Family & District Courts

      7th Judicial Circuit: Logan & Todd Circuit Courts

      8th Judicial Circuit: Warren Circuit Court

      9th Judicial Circuit:
      Hardin Circuit Court, Red Zone Protocol
      Hardin Cover Order
      Hardin General Protocol
      Hardin Circuit Court Schedule 2021

      10th Judicial Circuit: Hart, LaRue & Nelson Circuit Courts

      11th Judicial Circuit: Green, Marion, Taylor & Washington Circuit Courts

      12th Judicial Circuit: Henry, Oldham & Trimble Circuit Courts

      13th Judicial Circuit: Garrard & Jessamine Circuit Courts

      15th Judicial Circuit: Carroll, Grant and Owen Circuit Courts

      18th Judicial Circuit: Harrison, Nicholas, Pendleton & Robertson Circuit Courts

      22nd Judicial Circuit: Fayette Circuit Court

      26th Judicial Circuit: Harlan Circuit Court

      28th Judicial Circuit: Lincoln, Pulaski & Rockcastle Circuit Courts

      30th Judicial Circuit: Jefferson Circuit Court

      33rd Judicial Circuit: Perry Circuit Court

      35th Judicial Circuit: Pike Circuit Court

      36th Judicial Circuit: Knott & Magoffin Circuit Courts

      38th Judicial Circuit: Butler, Edmonson, Hancock & Ohio Circuit Courts

      43rd Judicial Circuit:
      Mask Usage Order, Effective July 29, 2021
      Barren & Metcalfe Circuit and District Courts

      44th Judicial Circuit: Bell Circuit Court

      45th Judicial Circuit: McLean & Muhlenberg Circuit Courts

      47th Judicial Circuit: Letcher Circuit Court

      49th Judicial Circuit: Allen & Simpson Circuit, Family and District Courts

      50th Judicial Circuit: Boyle & Mercer Circuit Courts

      52nd Judicial Circuit: Graves Circuit Court

      53rd Judicial Circuit: Anderson, Shelby & Spencer Circuit Courts

      54th Judicial Circuit: Boone & Gallatin Circuit Courts

      55th Judicial Circuit: Bullitt Circuit, Family & District Courts


      Family Court

      4th Judicial Circuit, Family Division: Hopkins Circuit, Family & District Courts

      9th Judicial Circuit, Family Division
      Hardin Family Court, Red Zone Protocol
      Hardin Cover Order
      Hardin General Protocol
      Hardin Family Court

      12th Judicial Circuit, Family Division: Henry, Oldham & Trimble

      16th Judicial Circuit, Family Division: Kenton Family Court

      22nd Judicial Circuit, Family Division: Fayette Family Court

      28th Judicial Circuit, Family Division: Lincoln, Pulaski & Rockcastle Family Courts

      30th Judicial Circuit, Family Division: Jefferson Family Court

      48th Judicial Circuit, Family Division: Franklin Family Court

      49th Judicial Circuit, Family Division: Allen & Simpson Circuit, Family and District Courts

      50th Judicial Circuit, Family Division: Boyle & Mercer Family Courts

      55th Judicial Circuit, Family Division: Bullitt Circuit, Family & District Courts


      District Court

      3rd Judicial District: Christian District Court

      4th Judicial District: Hopkins Circuit, Family & District Courts

      8th Judicial District: Warren District Court

      9th Judicial District
      Hardin District Court, Red Zone Protocol
      Hardin Cover Order
      Hardin General Protocol
      Hardin District Court
      Hardin District Court Local Rules

      11th Judicial District: Green, Marion, Taylor & Washington District Courts

      12th Judicial District: Henry, Oldham & Trimble Circuit Courts

      14th Judicial District: Bourbon, Scott & Woodford District Courts

      15th Judicial District: Carroll, Grant & Owen District Courts

      17th Judicial District: Campbell District Court

      18th Judicial District: Harrison, Nicholas, Pendleton & Robertson District Courts

      22nd Judicial District: Fayette District Court

      28th Judicial District: Pulaski & Rockcastle District Courts

      30th Judicial District: Jefferson District Court

      33rd Judicial District: Perry District Court

      43rd Judicial District:
      Mask Usage Order, Effective July 29, 2021
      Barren & Metcalfe Circuit and District Courts

      44th Judicial District: Bell District Court

      49th Judicial District: Allen & Simpson Circuit, Family and District Courts

      53rd Judicial District: Anderson, Shelby & Spencer District Courts

      54th Judicial District: Boone & Gallatin District Courts

      55th Judicial District: Bullitt Circuit, Family & District Courts

      60th Judicial District: Cumberland & Monroe counties


      Aug. 9, 2021: New Supreme Court order encourages wearing masks in judicial buildings due to Delta variant

      Oct. 29, 2020: Supreme Court issues guidelines for COVID precautions in ‘red zones’ as cases surge this fall and winter

      Aug. 28, 2020: Supreme Court announces amended orders related to in-person testimony and evictions

      Aug. 11, 2020: Supreme Court announces pilot project to reduce eviction cases in Jefferson County

      July 27, 2020: Supreme Court provides new guidance on staffing, access to court facilities, jury trials, evictions

      July 9, 2020: Supreme Court cancels in-person bar exams in 2020 as precaution during pandemic, announces remote bar exam Oct. 5-6

      July 2, 2020: Gov. Beshear issues orders allowing driver’s licenses to be renewed remotely through Sept. 30 and ending 90-day extension to renew licenses

      May 19, 2020: Supreme Court provides guidance on jury trials as courts plan to gradually expand operations starting June 1

      May 14, 2020: Chief Justice Minton announces cost-cutting measures for Judicial Branch

      May 1, 2020: Chief Justice Minton forms Reopening Task Forces to prepare courts to resume limited in-person services

      April 24, 2020: Supreme Court issues additional guidance on handling court matters during pandemic

      April 20, 2020: Supreme Court to hear arguments by videoconference April 22 due to COVID-19

      April 14, 2020: Supreme Court extends suspension of in-person court services through May 31, 2020

      April 1, 2020: Supreme Court suspends in-person services at court facilities, requires court proceedings to be conducted remotely through May 1

      March 31, 2020: Supreme Court order gives attorneys more time to complete continuing legal education for 2019-2020 educational year

      March 27, 2020: Supreme Court provides guidance for custody and parenting time orders during the pandemic

      March 26, 2020: Supreme Court issues new amendments to order limiting in-person court proceedings, extends restrictions to April 24

      March 17, 2020: Supreme Court issues new amendments March 17 to order restricting court proceedings during pandemic

      March 17, 2020: Driver’s license offices statewide closing for social distancing