WilCo Justice Center Will Require Face Masks

Round Rock TX

03 August, 2021

12:36 PM

Description

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — The Williamson County Justice Center will require the public and employees to wear face coverings effective immediately as COVID-19 cases continue to spike in the county. The county announced Tuesday all individuals coming to the Williamson County Justice Center, including the public and employees, will be required to wear face coverings and observe social distancing at all times in public spaces of the Justice Center unless otherwise noted. Judges have the discretion to remove the mask requirement for participants in their individual courtroom. The decision comes two weeks after the Williamson County and Cities Health District increased the COVID-19 risk level to "Red," which reflects uncontrolled community spread of COVID-19 in Williamson County. MORE ON THAT STORY: WilCo Reaches 'Uncontrolled Community Spread' Of COVID-19 Authorities said the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19 is through vaccination and that, beyond vaccination, the best way to further mitigate risk is through face covering and social distancing. "We are aware of the Governor's recent order regarding mask mandates and Governor Abbott's executive orders have been considered in making these very important decisions," county officials said. "The Courts are unique in that the judicial system is a separate branch of government." Officials said the Supreme Court of Texas has general responsibility for the efficient administration of the Texas judicial system and the authority to make rules of administration applicable to the courts. The Office of Court Administration has specifically determined that previously issued executive orders do not alter the Supreme Court's emergency order, the ability of a judge to control his or her courtroom, or judiciary-imposed requirements for those entering a court building who will be attending a court proceeding, officials said. Authorities said in the Fortieth Emergency Order issued by the Texas Supreme Court, courts in Texas are "encouraged to adopt minimum standard health protocols for court participants and the public attending court proceedings that will be employed in the courtroom and in public areas of the court building." Officials said the Texas Attorney General has issued an opinion that states, "judges possess broad inherent authority to control orderly proceedings in their courtrooms, and pursuant to that authority, they can require individuals in the courtroom to wear facial coverings" and "may require any person entering the courthouse in which they preside to wear a facial covering while in the courthouse." "The ability of Courts to function effectively is critical to our community, and courts are unique in that they can require and enforce attendance," officials said. "In light of the current state of COVID-19 spread, the health-related recommendations of the Local Health Authority have been adopted in the Williamson County Justice Center. This directive will be revisited when the COVID risk phase changes." RELATED COVERAGE:Pflugerville Has Highest COVID-19 Cases In Travis County Only 7 ICU Beds Available For 11 Counties, Including Austin Metro 'Immunity Takes Community': WilCo Campaign Encourages Vaccines Austin Moves To Stage 4 Of COVID-19 Risk Guidance