City of Camden Municipal Court to Resume Sept. 1 at Camden City Arena

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Camden Municipal Court suspended non-essential court functions in March. Following guidance issued by South Carolina Court Administration, the Centers for Disease Control, and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, the City of Camden will resume court operations the week of September 1, 2020 on a modified basis, with the safety of all participants in mind. Municipal Court hearings will be held at Camden City Arena, 420 Broad Street.

The City of Camden Municipal Court is employing several measures to ensure everyone’s safety. In addition to requiring the maintenance of social distancing, court hearings are staggered so that there will be no more than ten (10) hearings per hour, to minimize contact. Additionally, everyone who enters City Arena will have his/her temperature checked and will be required to wear a mask. A mask will be provided for any individual who does not have access to one. All court personnel will be required to wear masks as well.  There will be an option to remain in your vehicle until your specific matter is called before the Court. The Court is also providing multiple hand-sanitizing stations, “sneeze guards,” and will be actively cleansing City Arena to minimize any health risks. 

Individuals, victims, and witnesses are being separately notified of their rescheduled date and time to appear at City Arena for the respective hearing. The City of Camden requests that if an individual is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or if an individual has had close contact with an individual experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19, this information should be communicated to the Clerk of Court, The Honorable Belinda Davis, at 803-432-2421, ext. 1120 or via email at beldavis@camdensc.org so that the matter may be rescheduled. 

At this time, City Hall and other city offices remain closed to public access. The drive thru window at City Hall remains open. The Camden Archives and Museum, African American Cultural Center, Tennis Center of Camden and Pickleball Plaza are open, under new safety guidelines, to the public. City staff will continue to monitor the COVID-19 virus and make operational decisions as necessary. The public is encouraged to monitor information and updates at SC DHEC’s website www.scdhec.gov/covid19.