The Berrien County Trial Court is updating its operations effective July 1. With recommendations of the Berrien County Health Department, the courthouse buildings will be open to the public. Public entering the courthouse facilities will be asked to self-screen for COVID symptoms and not enter the facilities if experiencing said symptoms. Masks are strongly encouraged for any members of the public not fully vaccinated from COVID-19, specifically when sitting in the gallery of the courtrooms. Members of the public will no longer be required to check-in with court staff prior to entry into the courthouses. The COVID-19 video request protocol is discontinued as public access to the courthouses is broadened. Jurors will stay socially distant in trials and are strongly encouraged to wear a mask if unvaccinated. Many court proceedings will keep using Zoom, while some are returning in-person.
