East Ridge Municipal Court will be going on a new schedule beginning in the middle of December to fight the spread of COVID-19.

According to a press release issued by Judge J. Cris Helton, beginning on Dec. 15, the court will hear in-custody cases only. That schedule will run at least through Jan. 12, 2021.

The press release follows:

“After meeting with members of the District Attorney’s office, members of the District Public Defender’s office and Judges in the General Sessions Court, the Municipal Court of the City of East Ridge, in an effort to slow the spread of the Corona Virus, and pursuant to the Supreme Court order directing that in person court proceedings be limited except in emergencies, we will be implementing the following plan:

“The City of East Ridge will only hear custody cases virtual and cases otherwise deemed necessary beginning December 15, 2020 through and including January 12, 2021.

“If you have pending cases in the City of East Ridge and you are on bond you will either be notified of a new court date, or you are to contact the court to get a new court date.  If you are charged with a traffic offense, please call the clerk’s office at 423/867-2701 to obtain a new court date.”