COVID-19 | CCCCP

COVID-19 Administrative Orders

Justice Center Building Access

Under the Administrative Order signed on March 1, 2022, the Courts implemented the following mask requirement for all staff and public who enter Court facilities:

- When Cuyahoga County is at a “High” level, all staff and public must wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status.

- When Cuyahoga County is at a “Medium” level, staff and public may choose, but are not required, to wear a mask if they are at a higher risk for severe illness or caring for someone who is at a higher risk for severe illness.

- When Cuyahoga County is at a “Low” level, staff and public may choose, but are not required, to wear a mask based on personal preference.

- Any person who has COVID-19 symptoms, has been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or who has tested positive for COVID-19 must wear a mask for 10 days following the date of exposure or positive COVID-19 test.

- Any person who is not vaccinated is strongly encouraged to wear a mask at all times while in a Court facility.

The CDC County Check will be monitored on a weekly basis, and Cuyahoga County is currently at the “Medium” level. Based on any updated risk level in Cuyahoga County, the mask policy will be updated as necessary.

Members of the public can enter the Justice Center only through the Ontario Street doors where they will have an electronic temperature and face-mask scan. Once cleared, they will continue through security and then be directed to lines dedicated to their destinations.

Only six people are allowed on the elevators at one time, and the elevator floors have markings for where to stand. Persons seeking access to the first through fourth floors of the Justice Center will be asked to use the escalators, unless they are physically unable to do so.

The fourth floor cafeteria is open for "Grab and Go" meals, and the seating area is available.

Hearings will continue to be held by video conference or phone whenever possible to limit the number of people in the Justice Center.

All staff and assigned counsel are to be vaccinated unless they have acceptable medical or religious exemptions.

Hearings

Please click above to download the Administrative Orders.

- The Court is open for all business.

- Criminal arraignments may be held by video for incarcerated individuals.

- Civil and criminal proceedings may be conducted via telephone or video conferencing at the discretion of each individual Judge.

Trials and Juries

Jurors will report to the Global Center for Health Innovation (across Ontario Street) to sign in for service.

Jurors summoned for service are to call after 4:30pm the day before their summons date to determine if they need to report in person to the Global Center. The number is 216-698-2977. For more information on the new juror reporting procedures, click here

Adult Probation

Modifications have been made in our Adult Probation Department.

The West Side Office has re-opened for service
All probation reporting is being done by telephone, unless otherwise instructed by the Probation Officer
All probationers are to contact their Probation Officer for additional guidance
Online payments can be made here

Magistrates

Modifications have been made in our Magistrates Department. Please click here to access the information.

Magistrate Order Regarding Foreclosure 5-26-19

Dispute Resolution

The Dispute Resolution Department continues to hold all scheduled mediations. In accordance with the Court’s Order and recommended social distancing guidelines, the mediators will be conducting all mediations by either video or telephone conference until May 3, 2021. Counsel for the parties will receive e-mail notification providing details on how to connect for the mediation.

The Department is utilizing Zoom as the primary option for video conferencing. This platform allows participants to appear by video, which is preferred, but also includes a phone-in option. All platforms offer virtual “break out” rooms which provide confidential communication with the mediator and confidential communication between attorney and client.

In accordance with the Court’s Order, the department is working remotely as much as possible. The best way to communicate with your mediator is by e-mail:

Rebecca Wetzel: CPRBW@cuyahogacounty.us

Michael Biglow: mbiglow@cuyahogacounty.us

Robert McClelland: cprm1@cuyahogacounty.us

General Mailbox: civilmediation@cuyahogacounty.us

We look forward to working with the parties to help resolve your disputes and to provide the opportunity to discuss your case while protecting everyone’s health and safety.

Potential Scams

Scammers are contacting people claiming to be tracing COVID-19 contacts. While legitimate health agencies, including the Cuyahoga County Board of Health and the Cleveland Department of Public Health are calling people to complete contact tracing, they will never ask for your Social Security or Bank Account information. Do not click on links or respond to texts saying you have been exposed to COVID-19. Please report suspicious calls or texts to http://ConsumerAffairs.CuyahogaCounty.US or call 216-443-SCAM.

Court Offers Assistance In Scheduling Vaccine

The Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court is offering assistance to Justice Center visitors who have not yet signed up for their COVID-19 vaccines. The Court’s Resource Center on the 4^th floor has internet access, and Justice Center visitors can use our computers to register for available vaccinations. There will be signs at the Ontario Street entrance to the Justice Center and in the probation offices to let people know about the assistance. Resource Center staff will be available to answer any questions.

HVAC Upgrades

Improvements to the Justice Center HVAC system include:

• Increased building fresh air intake ventilation rates.
• Increased building air exchanges through daily 100% fresh air intake periods with maximum building exhaust.
• Maintained and replaced building HVAC filtration systems.
• Inspected and maintained building air handlers and exhaust systems.
• Briefed the Cuyahoga County Board of Health regarding the facility actions above and the upcoming initiatives below.
• Completed HVAC system enhancements that included installation of Bi-polar ionization treatment at the air handler level of the HVAC system, thereby reducing airborne pathogens in the ventilation air stream; installation of Ultra-violet disinfection equipment within the HVAC system interior surface components; and increasing of the ventilation filter efficiency to better protect against the possibility of airborne particle circulation.