Courts set to reopen Tuesday

Those fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are allowed to enter without restriction, and no masks

People fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus again may enter courthouses in Riverside County without restrictions starting Tuesday. The change will rely on an honor system. Visitors will not have to show proof of vaccination, said Marita Ford, a court spokeswoman. They will not be required to wear masks.

Anyone not fully vaccinated may still enter but will be required to wear a mask that covers the nose, mouth and chin, officials said. Children under the age of 2 are exempt from the court order.

Those seeking an exemption from the order under the Americans with Disabilities Act may contact the court’s ADA coordinator at riverside. courts.ca.gov/GeneralInfo/ADA/ADA.php.

Six feet of social distancing is no longer required.

Previously, everyone had to wear a mask, and access was restricted to those with court business unless they petitioned a judge for permission to attend a hearing.

The courthouses also will reopen Tuesday for in-person services. Remote alternatives such as telephone, webchat, submission of documents online via the eSubmit Document Submission Portal, electronic filing for civil documents, U.S. mail or dropbox are still available.

Public hours will remain from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. because of staffing shortages.

Proceedings will continue to be livestreamed with the exception of confidential cases.

In-custody video arraignments will transfer from the Banning Justice Center back to the local courthouses starting July 19.

In San Bernardino County, masks and social distancing are still required. No date for any change has been announced.