Masks again required in all Kane 16th Circuit courthouses as of Aug. 5

Chief judge cites increase in pandemic infection rates

ST. CHARLES TOWNSHIP – The 16th Judicial Circuit will again require mask wearing of all persons entering Kane County Courthouses as of Thursday, as per a general order from Chief Judge Clint Hull, officials announced in a news release.

The decision follows the recommendations of the State of Illinois and Kane County Health Department officials.

Hull cited that COVID-19 pandemic infection rates have increased to such a degree that court operations needed to include the reinstatement of mask wearing in order to protect the health and safety of the public, circuit court judges, and court employees, the release stated.

“We at the 16th Circuit have kept our court-users health and safety at the forefront of every decision we’ve made throughout this pandemic, while allowing for equal access to justice,” Hull stated in the release. “Remote (Zoom) court continues to be available in most courtrooms and requiring face masks again is just another layer in keeping us safe.”

Effective Aug. 5, entry into any Kane County court facility will require all individuals to wear a face mask, regardless of vaccination status.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for individuals with medical conditions or disabilities that prevent them from safely wearing masks or face coverings.

An individual who is not medically able to tolerate a mask/face covering due to a medical condition or disability should contact the Court’s Disability Coordinator, as soon as possible in advance of the scheduled court proceeding, so that appropriate and reasonable accommodations can be made.

All persons, including courtroom personnel, must wear masks or face coverings when inside all courtrooms, unless the presiding judge of the courtroom gives permission to remove the mask or face covering.

Persons may also be denied entry into Kane County Courthouses if they have flu-like symptoms including fever, cough, or shortness of breath – excluding symptoms caused by chronic conditions – or have been directed to quarantine or isolate at home by a medical provide or public health official, according to the release.