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Municipal Court closes

COVID-19 precaution

Kim Fundingsland/MDN

Minot Municipal Court canceled all appearances Wednesday and will remain closed at least through Monday, October 26. The action was described by a City of Minot spokesman as “a precaution” after a court employee began experiencing coronavirus-like symptoms earlier this week.

Municipal Court was held this past Monday and Tuesday. The court does not hold sessions on Fridays, meaning the current shutdown is for a period of three court sessions over a span of six days.

The court employee who was experiencing COVID-like symptoms has been tested for coronavirus and was awaiting test results as of late Wednesday morning. According to a release from the City of Minot, as of Tuesday, no court employees had previously tested positive for COVID-19.

The Municipal Court calendar has been cleared through Monday but several appearances are set for next Tuesday. Municipal Court handles infraction and misdemeanor cases such as traffic offenses and driving under suspension. Court staff includes a judge, court reporter, city attorney and others as necessary. Security is provided by Minot police.

Municipal Court had a lengthy closure earlier this year due to the coronovirus pandemic, closing on March 18 to determine how and when to safely proceed in the midst of a pandemic. Court resumed in mid-May with several changes in place.

Among the changes was the installation of plexi-glass shields in front of the judge and court staff. Also, social distancing measures were adopted that kept people in a waiting area outside of the courtroom rather than on benches inside the courtroom. Face masks were required. Disinfecting of the podium, counter tops, writing instruments and benches was done following each individual appearance. A hand sanitizing station was also placed at the entrance to the courtroom.

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