Will Co. Courthouse: Coronavirus Not Impacting Schedules

JOLIET, IL —The Twelfth Judicial Circuit remains committed to carrying out its essential functions while taking the steps necessary to minimize the risk to the public and employees of contracting the coronavirus, Will County Chief Judge Richard Schoenstedt announced Friday.

"Even though Will County has not experienced any cases, the court has acted to minimize risk and remains in contact with our state and local health officials to ensure that all reasonable steps are being taken,"the judge said.

Schoenstedt highlighted the following actions that have already been taken at the Will County Courthouse in downtown Joliet:

• The court facilities undergo a thorough cleaning and disinfection regime every evening.
• Additional hand-sanitizer stations have been installed at elevator locations in the Courthouse.
• CDC information has been posted in multiple locations throughout court facilities.

"Although, current operations remain unchanged, the court is reviewing juror utilization, marriage ceremonies and other operational concerns to ensure that should it become necessary, action can be taken to reduce in-person contact," Schoenstedt stated in Friday's press release.

In closing, the judge noted that all courthouse employees, jurors and other courthouse patrons are asked to remain home if they are ill.

"We recommend that litigants who feel ill and who have cases scheduled with the court, contact the opposing counsel or party and seek an agreed continuance. If that is not possible, contact the Circuit Clerk's Office and inform them of your inability to attend Court. Judges will evaluate requests for continuances on a case-by-case basis. The Court may require that you provide medical documentation to support your request."

As of March 13, a total of 32 cases of COVID-19 have been detected in Illinois.

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