Kentucky courts lift most COVID-19 restrictions in line with CDC recommendations Morgan Eads, Lexington Herald-Leader May 18—Most COVID-19 restrictions in Kentucky courts are being lifted and some jury trials may now resume, Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice John Minton Jr. announced Tuesday. Minton cited in his order the recent declining COVID-19 numbers and hospitalizations as reasons for the change that allows in-person access to court facilities, eliminates general mask requirements for those who are fully vaccinated and permits most jury trials to resume. Judges will have discretion in deciding whether to hold or postpone a jury trial, and attorneys will be able to request a trial be delayed if they or their clients are sick or at an increased risk of COVID-19, according to Minton's order.