In light of the rapidly developing situation involving the coronavirus and in keeping with the directives of the Office of Court Administration the following procedures will be in effect for the 316^th District Court through March 31, 2020:

1. Only essential proceedings will be heard.  Essential proceedings are criminal magistration proceedings, CPS removal hearings, temporary restraining orders / temporary injunctions, juvenile detention hearings, family violence protective orders, and certain mental health proceedings.  If counsel believes the particular facts of a particular case warrant consideration as an essential proceeding and it is not listed above please contact the court.
2. Any hearings that the parties agree can be heard by telephone will take place at a time convenient to the parties and the court. Please make arrangements with the court coordinator for telephone hearings.
3. If counsel is sick with COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms, a fever, or is coughing or sneezing or becomes aware of a witness or party with these symptoms counsel should notify the court of the situation immediately so that arrangements can be made to postpone the hearing or make other reasonable accommodations.

As stated, these guidelines remain in place through March 31, 2020.  We will re-evaluate the situation as facts develop and will keep you informed as to how we will proceed after March 31^st.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.