Two defendants set to appear in Baxter County Circuit Court Thursday were sent home, when they reported fever and other flu-like symptoms.Under new procedures brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, defendants entering the court complex are kept outside where they are screened for symptoms, including fever. If symptoms are detected, they are reported to the presiding judge, and he makes the final decision on whether these defendants need to be excluded and given a new court date.When the screening is completed, they continue to remain outside until their names are reached on the docket.In addition to having their temperatures taken, they answer a number of questions – including whether they have been out of state recently.
When Circuit Judge Gordon Webb called for one defendant, Baxter County Deputy Sheriff David Estes, who serves as court bailiff, announced the person had reported symptoms that could mean being COVID-19 positive.
And, he told the judge another defendant had also disclosed having the same symptoms.
Judge Webb said in order to be safe, the two should be sent home. They were ordered to return to court July 23.
There have been others sent home from the various courts holding sessions in the complex because of COVID-19 fears.
The state supreme court recently approved new guidelines for resuming in-person proceedings. The new protocols announced by the court include not having more than 50 people in a courtroom. It is also recommended other procedures be continued — including wearing masks, checking for fever and other symptoms and having hand sanitizer and soap available.
Jury trials may resume July 30, and jury summons may begin to be issued immediately for service beginning on or after July 1.
The details of the resumption are left mainly to the discretion of individual judges. It is estimated trials in some courts could begin next month, while in the majority of Arkansas counties, it is estimated it will likely be September or later.
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