ELKINS — Elkins Municipal Court announced COVID-19 precautions that are effective immediately at all hearings, city officials said Monday.

These precautions, which are based on an order issued by the West Virginia Supreme Court (WVSC), include requiring all parties in the courtroom to wear masks, sanitize their hands, and maintain distancing.

Under these precautions, the only persons allowed in the courtroom at the beginning of any hearing will be the judge, the prosecutor, the defense attorney, and the defendant. Witnesses will be required to wait outside until called and leave the courtroom after testifying.

All persons entering the courtroom must bring and wear their own masks, removing them only if directed by the judge. Medical or N95 masks are not required.

“Any type of face covering sufficient to catch droplets leaving the nose and mouth, including homemade fabric masks or bandanas, is appropriate,” according to the WVSC order.

Persons arriving without masks will be considered not to have appeared, and the hearing will proceed without them.

All persons entering the courtroom must also sanitize their hands and remain at least six feet from other people present.

Anyone who is COVID-19 positive, who has been in contact with anyone who is COVID-19 positive, or who is experiencing a fever or cough should contact their attorney and the court for guidance. Please contact Elkins Municipal Court Clerk Michelle Metheny at 304-636-7142 or mmetheny@cityofelkinswv.com, with any questions.