2 Alameda County courthouses set to reopen

Alameda County Superior Court announced two of its courthouses will reopen to the public on a limited basis Monday.

The reopening of the George E. McDonald Hall of Justice in Alameda and the Hayward Hall of Justice will be handled cautiously.

The decision, announced Wednesday, follows Alameda County's March 31 move to the orange tier as more buildings open and the number of COVID-19 virus cases decline.

Members of the public will be subject to health screenings and be required to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing at both courthouses.

One window of the McDonald Hall of Justice will be open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to allow the public to perform records searches and request copies of current family law documents.

People will also be able to seek restraining orders, civil case, small claims and probate case documents. Public terminal and viewing room usage will be limited to 30 minutes per customer.

At the Hayward Hall of Justice, two windows will be open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Service will be limited to filing papers involving all types of restraining orders, including domestic violence, elder abuse, civil harassment, workplace violence, and gun violence.

Staff from the court's Self-Help Center will be available to assist with restraining order filings.

No food or beverages will be permitted inside either courthouse.

-- Craig Anderson