left-caret
All Insights

Practice Area Articles

U.S. Court Closings, Restrictions, and Re-Openings Due to COVID-19

February 02, 2022

By Bruce M Wexler and Yar Chaikovsky

Paul Hastings created this webpage to provide publicly available information on modifications to access and scheduling by courts and administrative agencies important to our clients.

This page is organized into 5 sections as follows:

United States District Courts

United States Courts of Appeals

United States Supreme Court

Other Courts and Administrative Agencies

Various State Courts

United States District Courts

 

The stay of the unexpired deadlines and briefing schedules in civil cases originally entered on March 17, 2020 is terminated. District and magistrate judges are free to reinstate the stay or some version of a stay based upon the circumstances of their individual cases. All other provisions of the March 17, 2020 General Order, unless previously modified, remain in full force and effect.

All persons not required to wear a face mask unless directed to by a judge or court official. See GO 21-0008.

The prohibition of conducting hearings and conferences in the courthouses originally entered into on March 17, 2020 is terminated. The judges will individually determine when it is appropriate to conduct such in-person hearings on a case-by-case basis.

Under the CARES Act review, the court authorized judges to use video conferencing and when not available telephonic when video conferencing is not available under a various criminal case events listed in the order. Except as otherwise mentioned in the order, any statutory or rules-based requirements or deadlines are not tolled or otherwise affected, including but not limited to, statutes of limitations and deadlines for filing appeals. The CARES Act is authorized to continue through February 29, 2022.

The Northern District of Alabama has prohibited access to the courtroom for anyone who has traveled to a high-risk country within the past fourteen days, resides or had close contact with someone who has traveled to a high-risk country within the past fourteen days, been asked to self-quarantine, or been diagnosed with or had contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19. All visitors (employees and non-employees) are required to wear a face covering to enter the building.

Per General Order 2021-006, all persons entering the Hugo L. Black or Robert S. Vance courthouses shall wear a mask while on the courthouses’ premises. The presiding judge in any court proceeding may authorize the removal of a mask in the courtroom as deemed necessary.

All persons entering the Courthouse are to wear a mask while on Courthouse premises. The presiding judge in any court proceeding may authorize the removal of a mask in the courtroom as deemed necessary.

Public Access to all court hearings in criminal cases are to be broadcast from Jury Assembly Room on the 1st floor.

The General Order authorizes the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for all events listed in Section 15002 of the CARES Act.

Anyone who has traveled to a high-risk country within the past fourteen days, resides or had close contact with someone who has traveled to a high-risk country within the past fourteen days, been asked to self-quarantine, or been diagnosed with or had contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 must notify the Court Security Officers upon entering the courthouse. Additionally all persons entering the courthouse are required to wear a mask.

Masks are required for courthouse entry. All persons over the age of two years, whether vaccinated or not, shall wear a mask or face covering while in public or common spaces inside the Courthouse, unless having received specific exception by a Court official, or unless being instructed to remove a mask by an Officer with the United States Marshals Service, the Federal Protective Service, or Court Security.

All persons involved in jury selection are required to wear a mask or face covering while inside the courthouse when they are involved in jury selection, unless they have received specific instructions to do so by a Court Official.

All civil and criminal jury trials are continued for 30 days from March 17, 2020 until further order of the court. Magistrate Judges will conduct initial appearances, arraignments, and detention hearings telephonically or by video conference. All grand jury proceedings are continued for 30 days. Judges may exercise their discretion to consider case-by-case exceptions to any of the procedures in the order. The Order authorizes the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for all events listed in Section 15002 of the CARES Act. The CARES Act is authorized under March 7, 2022.

Individuals who have been diagnosed with or who have come into known contact with a person with COVID-19 or who have been asked to self-quarantine or who are experiencing flu like symptoms may not enter the courthouse and shall not submit any paper copies of any filings. They should instead contact the Clerk’s Office.

All Civil and Criminal Jury Trials scheduled to begin February 8, 2022, through February 28, 2022 are suspended. The assigned judge in any case may make exceptions to the jury trial suspension if justice so requires. Judges may issue other orders concerning future continuances as necessary and appropriate.

For criminal cases, all trial-specific deadlines for trials scheduled to begin between February 8, 2022, and February 28, 2022, are continued unless otherwise ordered by the assigned judge. Pretrial deadlines, such as motion deadlines, remain in effect.

In civil cases, the procedures established in Section B of Miscellaneous General Order 21- 24 are extended and shall remain in effect until further order of the assigned judge.

All Grand Jury proceedings scheduled to be held during the month of February 2022 are continued.

Accordingly, effective November 1, 2021, individual judges may order certain hearings to proceed in person, if necessary, with proper restrictions to continue to protect public safety and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Court requires all persons, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a mask inside the federal courthouses.

Beginning April 5, 2021, the parties shall resume providing Chambers Copies of all filings as required by Local Civil or Criminal Rules. Mandatory Chambers Copies may be placed in the Court’s drop box, mailed as permitted or hand-delivered to the Clerk’s Office.

All trials and all other court proceedings will follow social-distancing guidelines for all participants. Unless otherwise ordered, for the health and safety of all participants, all prospective jurors, attorneys, parties, witnesses, court staff, and the public must wear suitable masks or face coverings, regardless of vaccination status, when at the federal courthouse. This requirement balances the Court’s decision not to inquire as to prospective jurors’ vaccination status, while also promoting the safety of all jurors regardless of vaccination status. The CARE Act is reauthorized as of August 24, 2021 and will remain in place until further order of the court.

Per Miscellaneous General Order 21-15, all persons over the age of two and regardless of vaccination status, seeking access to, or operating within, the Courthouses are required to wear a face covering or mask at all times while occupying public spaces or common areas, unless otherwise directed by the Court or a Courthouse official.

All civil and criminal jury trials scheduled to commence on or before February 11, 2022, are continued unless ordered otherwise by the assigned judge. In-person civil and criminal hearings may proceed as scheduled. The Court encourages parties to consider a continuance or holding such proceedings using audio and video conference technology.

Grand Jury proceedings are suspended until further notice.

All persons attending hearings or trials shall wear masks. During in-court proceedings, a judge may authorize removal of masks or face coverings for purposes of witness testimony, defendant identification, making an appropriate record or other reasons as deemed necessary by the judge provided that appropriate social distancing or other protective measures are followed.

General Order 21-03 authorizes Collateral in Lieu of Personal Appearance Concerning Violations of the Code of Federal Regulations Governing the Bureau of Land Management and the United States Forest Service for Certain Misdemeanor Offenses Occurring During Fire Restrictions Due to the Exigent Circumstances Created by the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

The United States Attorney’s Office has implemented the necessary measures to ensure grand jurors are able to maintain adequate social distancing and follow all other CDC safety protocols. Therefore, all Grand Jury proceedings in Phoenix and Tucson have resumed as of the week of March 22, 2021.

The CARES Act has been extended through March 16, 2022.

All criminal and civil jury trials not presently begun but scheduled either for the month of January and February shall be postponed until further notice, except those deemed necessary by the court. Such necessary matters include initial appearances, arraignments, preliminary, and detention hearings, changes of plea, sentencings, and necessary revocation hearings. Individual judges may hold hearings in civil matters, as they deem necessary in the safest manner possible. Hearings deemed necessary by the Court will be scheduled and conducted by video teleconference or telephone to the extent possible.

Drop boxes have been placed near the entrances of the courthouses for those wishing to make in-person filings; otherwise, the Clerk’s Offices are closed to the public.

Effective now until February 28, 2022, all hearings civil and criminal will be held by video-teleconference or telephone or postponed unless the presiding Judge finds that exceptional circumstances require an in-person hearing. The applicable CARES Act provisions govern remote hearings in criminal cases.

Each presiding Judge will make case sensitive scheduling decisions week by week, month by month. COVID-19-based continuances will be freely given, especially in jury trials. Remote proceedings by video or telephone will be the default choice whenever possible. All the protocols listed in Administrative Order Sixteen - masking, rearranged courtrooms, simulcasting, and distancing-will be scrupulously followed. The Court will also continue to stagger start dates for jury trials and use multiple spaces for selecting juries.

Masks are required in all public areas and of all courthouses for persons regardless of vaccination status. Masks are strongly encouraged any time two or more individuals are in close proximity regardless of the individual’s vaccination status. The presiding Judge in any proceeding has discretion to alter these general masking rules in the courtroom.

Effective May 24, 2021 the will resume holding all civil and criminal jury trials. District Judges will coordinate with the Clerk of the Court to minimize the number of people in the courthouses at any one time. There will be enhanced screenings of potential jurors and standard mitigation measures will continue for all proceedings. Bench trials will also resume on May 24th. Depending upon the circumstances in a particular case, the Court will hold video teleconferences, teleconferences, or in-person hearings in non-trial matters. Remote proceedings will continue to be preferred, especially where the transport of persons in custody is involved.

The court has authorized the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for all events listed in Section 15002 of the CARES Act. The CARES Act is authorized through March 18, 2022.

If an attorney or party reasonably suspects that a scheduled hearing, trial or deposition may involve contact with someone who has been infected with COVID-19, or has been in contact with someone who may be infected with COVID-19 within the past fourteen days, the attorney or party must give notice to all parties and the court. After providing notice, the parties must promptly meet and confer by telephone about the best way to conduct proceedings. The court has cancelled all optional large-scale public events scheduled at court facilities in April.

All civil and criminal trials (bench and jury) currently scheduled to begin before May 17, 2021 are continued and will be rescheduled by the presiding judge. Criminal matters such as initial appearances, arraignments, detention hearings and the issuance of search warrants shall continue to take place as scheduled or by video conference at the discretion of the presiding judge. All civil hearings and other court proceedings, including settlement conferences will take place as scheduled or by video conference at the discretion of the presiding judge. All grand jury proceedings are continued until March 22, 2021. The orders do not affect the consideration of civil and criminal motions that can be resolved without oral argument or handled by telephone or video conference. The courthouses remain open but with the reduced business hours of 9 am to 3:30 pm.

Order 2020-2 restricts courthouse access to anyone who has traveled within the past fourteen days to a high-risk country, including all of Europe (except Great Britain), resides or has had close contact with anyone who has visited any of those countries within the past fourteen days, has been asked to self-quarantine, has been diagnosed with or had direct contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, or has apparent symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, severe cough or shortness of breath. All individuals entering the courthouse must wear a mask or face covering.

Order 2020-3 authorizes the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for all events listed in Section 15002 of the CARES Act. The authorization has been extended through February 24, 2022.

Per Administrative Order 2021-10, all individuals entering a federal courthouse for the purpose of participating in or attending a proceeding involving a large number of individuals, including but not limited to jury trials (criminal and civil), venir panels, CVB proceedings, grand jury proceedings and naturalization ceremonies, must wear a mask, regardless of their vaccination status, in all public areas of the courthouses.

The United States District Court for the Central District of California has extended its authority pursuant to the provisions of the CARES Act through January 14, 2022.

California has extended its authority pursuant to the provisions of the CARES Act through October 15, 2021.

Per Order No. 21-08, all of the divisions of the Central District of California will resume normal operations on June 15, 2021. Hearings by video or telephonic conference may continue to be held in civil matters at the discretion of the assigned judge. Hearings by video or telephonic conference may continue to be held in certain criminal matters as set forth in Order of the Chief Judge No. 20-043, unless the findings and authorizations in the Order are subsequently terminated. All individuals seeking entry to, or occupying, the United States Courthouses or Probation and Pretrial Services Offices in the Central

District of California must follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s most recent guidance regarding face coverings or masks, except under certain circumstances during in-court proceedings as noted below. If the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s most recent guidance or a district judge requires an individual to wear a mask, the mask must completely conceal the individual’s nose and mouth at all times. The United States Marshal, his Deputies, and the Court Security Officers shall enforce this Order and deny entry to individuals not following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s most recent guidance regarding face coverings or masks. Everyone in the courtroom must follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s most recent guidance regarding face coverings and masks. Judges will continue to determine when their chambers staff will return to work at the Courthouses. The District Court Executive/Clerk of Court will continue to determine when and which Clerk’s Office and Probation and Pretrial Services Office staff will return to the Courthouses.

Per the court’s notice from the clerk on April 15, 2021, the Central District of California has adopted the Plan for Phased Resumption of Operations (“Reopening Plan”), which consists of three phases: Phase 1 (return of certain staff to the courthouses to prepare for limited in-court hearings); Phase 2 (reopening courthouses for limited in-court hearings); and Phase 3 (resumption of jury trials). Per the gating criteria that was adopted by the court, local COVID-19 exposure risks in the Central District of California are decreasing, such that the transition of all divisions to Phase 3 of the Court’s Reopening Plan is appropriate at this time. In-court hearings will be permitted in all matters at the discretion of the assigned judge. Hearings by video or telephonic conference may continue to be held in civil matters at the discretion of the assigned judge. Jury trials will be permitted in civil and criminal cases. Since jury summonses were issued starting on March 22, 2021, jury trials will commence in the Southern Division on May 10, 2021.

Per General Order 631, effective June 14, 2021, all courthouses of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California will reopen to the public. Effective June 1, 2021, all persons wishing to attend or observe a trial shall be admitted to the common areas of the courthouse, and the Court Security Officers shall direct such persons to the courtroom in which the trial is being held. Until further notice, General Order 621 requiring the wearing of face coverings in all public space and in private agency space where six feet of physical distancing cannot be maintained remains in effect. Effective immediately, each Judge will determine whether to hold proceedings over which that judge presides in person in a courtroom or by telephone or videoconference, in consultation with the Clerk of the Court and U.S. Marshal, as appropriate, to allow for coordination regarding the impact on court and security staff and operations.

Pursuant to General Order 621, in all courthouses of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, face coverings must be worn in all public spaces including common areas, hallways, stairways, elevators, cafeterias, restrooms and parking facilities. Face coverings must also be worn in all private agency space where six feet of physical distancing between persons cannot be maintained.

Per General Order No. 78, all courthouse visitors must follow any safety protocols announced on the court’s website at cand.uscourts.gov and in each judge’s courtroom. Courtroom capacity may be limited as determined by the assigned judge. Press and public access to in-courtroom proceedings may be in person, by telephone, by videoconference, or by other remote means, as permitted and as determined by the assigned judge. Civil trials may proceed in accordance with the logistical considerations necessitated by the court’s safety protocols. Each judge will determine whether to hold a hearing or decide a civil matter on the papers. Civil hearings may be held in person in the courtroom, by telephone, or by videoconference. This applies to motion hearings, case management conferences, pretrial conferences, settlement conferences, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”) proceedings. For specific instructions on telephone or video appearances, see the docket on PACER, the assigned judge’s schedule of upcoming proceedings (located on each judge’s web page at cand.uscourts.gov/judges), or the ADR webpage. All local rules requiring that a courtesy copy be provided to the chambers of the assigned judge remain suspended until further notice. No chambers copy or “courtesy copy” of an electronically-filed document shall be submitted to the court, unless required by a standing order of the assigned judge or requested by the assigned judge in a particular case.

Effective July 29, 2021 and until further notice, at each Northern District of California courthouse, all jurors, attorneys, court staff, and other courthouse visitors, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear masks within public or common areas of courthouse property. This includes courthouse lobbies, jury assembly rooms, intake counters, courthouse hallways, and all other public or common areas within the courthouse. Mask and physical distancing requirements for individual courtrooms will continue to be determined by the assigned judge.

Effective August 2, 2021 and until further notice, all visitors to any Northern District of California courthouse must review the court’s COVID-19 pre-screening questionnaire before arriving at the courthouse.

  • Back to top
  • Southern District of California – Order No. 17 (Visitor Restrictions), Order No. 17-A (Visitor Restrictions), Order No. 18 (Suspension of Jury Trials and Other Proceedings), Order No. 18-A (Suspension of Personal Appearances and In-Person Filing in Civil Cases), Order No. 19 (CJA Panel Attorneys Interim Compensation), Order No. 20 (Emergency Use of Video and Telephonic Conference Technology in Certain Criminal Proceedings), Order No. 21 (Social Security Matters under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) during the COVID-19 Public Emergency), Order No. 22 (Felony Criminal Sentencings during the COVID-19 Public Emergency), Order No. 23 (Administrative and Civil Forfeiture Proceedings during the COVID-19 Public Emergency), Order No. 24 (Extending Suspension of Jury Trials and Other Proceedings During the COVID-19 Public Emergency), General Order 729 (Proposed Local Rule Change), Order No. 25 (Face Coverings during the COVID-19 Public Emergency), Order No. 26 (Criminal Case Proceedings), Order No. 27 (Criminal Case Proceedings), Notice of Coronavirus Reopening Measures, Order No. 28 (Adopting Strategic Committee on Resumption of Regular Court Proceedings), Order No. 29 (Interim Safety Protocols For In-Person Court Proceedings), Order No. 30 (Proceedings During the COVID-19 Public Emergency), Order No. 31 (Extending COVID-19 Public Emergency Use of Video and Telephonic Conference Technology in Certain Criminal Proceedings), Order No. 32 (Extending Interim Safety Protocols For In-Person Court Proceedings), Order No. 31-A (Modifying COVID-19 Public Emergency Use of Video and Telephonic Conference Technology in Certain Criminal Proceedings), Order No. 31-B (Covid-19 Public Emergency Use of Video and Telephonic Conference Technology in Certain Criminal Proceedings), General Order 499-F (Plan of the United States District Court for the Southern District of California Pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act), Order No. 34 (Proceedings During the COVID-19 Public Emergency), Order No. 35 (Extending Interim Safety Protocols For In-Person Court Proceedings), Order No. 36 (Adopting District Trial Reopening Plan), Order No. 40 (Proceedings During the COVID-19 Public Emergency), Order No. 41 (Proceedings During the COVID-19 Public Emergency), Order No. 42 (Extending Interim Safety Protocols for In-Person Court Proceedings), Order No. 43 (Extending Covid-19 Public Emergency Use Of Video And Telephonic Conference Technology In Certain Criminal Proceedings), Order No. 46 (Extending Interim Safety Protocols for In-Person Court Proceedings), Order No. 47 (Proceedings During the Covid-19 Public Emergency), Order No. 147-H (Adoption of a Jury Selection Plan (As Amended)), Order No. 49 (Extending Interim Safety Protocols for In-Person Court Proceedings), Order No. 50 (Proceedings during the COVID-19 Public Emergency), Order No. 52A (Renewed Suspension of Jury Trials and other In-Person Proceedings during COVID-19 Public Emergency (Revised)), Order No. 147-I (Adoption of a Jury Selection Plan (As Amended) and Proposed Local Rule Change), Order No. 52B (Extending Renewed Suspension of Jury Trials and Other In-Person Proceedings), Order No. 52C (Extending Renewed Suspension of Jury Trials and Other In-Person Proceedings), Order No. 56 (Use of Video Teleconferencing or Telephone Conferencing in Certain Criminal Proceedings), Order No. 59 (Extending Interim Safety Protocols for In-Person Court Proceedings), Order No. 60 (Renewed Suspension of Jury Trials and Other In-Person Proceedings During COVID-19 Public Emergency), Order No. 36-A (Supplement to District Trial Reopening Plan), Order No. 62 (Civil Case Proceedings During the COVID-19 Public Emergency), Order No. 63 (Criminal Case Proceedings During the COVID-19 Public Emergency), Order No. 692-B (District Protocol for Processing Applications Under First Step Act §603 (2018)), General Order 147-J (Adoption of a Jury Selection Plan (As Amended) and Proposed Local Rule Change), Order No. 63-A (Criminal Case Proceedings During the COVID-19 Public Emergency), General Order No. 147-K (The Amendment of the Jury Selection Plan), General Order No. 732 (Proposed Local Rule Amendments), Order No. 36-B (Supplement to District Trial Reopening Plan), Order No. 62-A (Civil Case Proceedings During the COVID-19 Public Emergency), Order No. 63-B (Criminal Case Proceedings During the COVID-19 Public Emergency), Order No. 63-C (Criminal Case Proceedings During the COVID-19 Public Emergency), Order No. 58-A (Grand Jury Proceedings During COVID-19 Public Emergency), Order No. 36-C (Supplement to District Trial Reopening Plan), Order 59-A (Extending Interim Safety Protocols For In-Person Court Proceedings, Order 62-B (Civil Case Proceedings During the COVID-19 Public Emergency), Order No. 63-D (Criminal Case Proceedings During the COVID-19 Public Emergency), Order No. 63-E (Criminal Case Proceedings During the COVID-19 Public Emergency), Order No. 63-F (Criminal Case Proceedings During The Covid-19 Public Emergency), and Order No. 63-G (Criminal Case Proceedings During The Covid-19 Public Emergency)

Per Order No. 36-C, beginning on July 6, 2021, there will not be a limitation on the number of juries that may be selected in any one week. District judges will select their juries in their courtroom. District judges will not need to confirm their trial dates with Laura Barkins, Supervisor of the District's Courtroom Deputy Department. Civil bench trials may proceed without limitation. The court is currently evaluating the propriety of video (or remote) civil jury trials. Such trials will not proceed until further order of the court.

Per Order No. 62-B, regarding civil case proceedings, beginning on June 1, 2021, judges may resume jury trials in civil cases. The court will follow the trial reopening plan as set forth in CJO 36 and CJO 36-C. Judges may conduct court proceedings by telephone or video conferencing where practicable and consistent with the law. The requirement under Civil Local Rule 16.1.a. that Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) Conferences be conducted in person is suspended until further order of the court. The requirement under Civil Local Rules 16.3.a. and 16.3.b. that Mandatory Settlement Conferences may be conducted in person is also suspended until further order of the court. During this period, ENE Conferences and Mandatory Settlement Conferences may be conducted by telephone or video conferencing. Attorneys who for health or other exceptional reasons are unable to appear in-person may request to appear telephonically or by videoconference with the presiding judge.

Per Order 59-A, those who are not fully vaccinated are required to wear a mask inside the federal courthouses and probation and pretrial services offices. While in the courthouse, all persons will follow the social distancing requirements posted throughout the facilities.

Entrants to the courthouse are all required to wear a mask regardless of their vaccination status.

Order 2020-4 authorizes the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for all events listed in Section 15002(b) of the CARES Act. The Act is reauthorized through March 10, 2022.

Effective immediately, all civil and criminal trials scheduled to commence in Denver in June 2021 remain subject to the pilot trial designations and will also be subject to the revised Jury Trial Protocols. Beginning with trials set in July 2021, the pilot trial program will end, and civil and criminal trials will proceed at the discretion of the assigned judicial officer, subject to the revised Jury Trial Protocols.

All civil and criminal trials scheduled to commence now through March 1, 2021 are continued, subject to further order of the presiding judicial officer, with the exception of certain pilot trials as authorized by the chief judge. To the extent practicable, judges will attempt to reschedule hearings or convert them to telephonic appearances in an effort to minimize the need to travel to court.

No civil or criminal trial requiring a jury of 10 or more jurors (including alternate jurors) shall be held in the Wayne Aspinall Courthouse or the courtroom in Colorado Springs, subject to the orders of the presiding judicial officer in each case. Parties may request that the presiding judge determine whether a non-jury trial or trial to a jury of less than 10 may safely proceed in the Courthouse. If so, such trials may proceed in accordance with social distancing and other appropriate measures to ensure the safety of all participants.

All other hearings will take place in person or remotely at the discretion of the judicial officer as allowed, in the case of criminal hearings, by the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and/or the CARES Act.

Under Order 2020-1, the court has restricted courthouse access to anyone who have traveled to any high-risk country, including Europe (except Great Britain), within the past fourteen days, reside or had close contact with someone who has traveled to any of those countries within the past fourteen days, been asked to self-quarantine, has been diagnosed with or had direct contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, or has apparent symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, severe cough, or shortness of breath.

Per the General Order dated January 25, 2022, effective immediately and until further order of the Court, the following persons shall not enter any courthouse in the District of Connecticut:

  1. who have, within the past 10 days, experienced fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue, nausea or vomiting, congestion or runny nose, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, diarrhea, or the new loss of sense of taste or smell, unless their symptoms have fully resolved and they have received a negative result on a test taken after the resolution of symptoms;
  2. Persons who have tested positive for COVID-19, unless (1) at least 10 days have passed from the later of the positive test or the experience of any of the symptoms described above, and (2) such persons have received a negative result on a PCR teste taken after the resolution of symptoms or, in an asymptomatic case, no sooner than the 10th day following the positive test;
  3. Persons who have ongoing exposure to anyone who as tested positive for COVID-19 due to residing with that person and an inability to isolate from that person unless (1) at least 10 days have passed from the other person’s positive test or start of any of the symptoms described above, whichever is later, and (2) such persons have received a negative result on a rapid or PCR test taken no sooner than the end of the 10 day period;
  4. Persons who have had close contact with, but not ongoing exposure to, anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, unless (1) at least 5 days have passed from that other person’s positive test or start of experience of symptoms and (2) such persons have tested negative on a rapid or PCR test taken no sooner than the end of the 5-day period. For purposes of this order, “close contact” means closer than 6 feet where one or more participants were unmasked for more than 10 minutes cumulative over a 24-hour period or, if all participants were masked, for more than one hour cumulative over a 24-hour period.

Per the General Order dated January 3, 2022, all jury trials (and related jury selections) scheduled to commence prior to February 1, 2022, before any district or magistrate judges in any courthouse in the District of Connecticut, shall be continued pending further order of the Court. Judges may schedule jury selections and trials to begin on or after February 1, 2022.

Per the General Order dated August 2, 2021 effective immediately, all persons entering a federal courthouse in this District and court employees must wear at least one mask that is effective to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus and shall maintain 6 feet of distance from each other at all times in public spaces.

Pursuant to the CARES Act Authorization dated December 14, 2021, for 90 days, video conferencing, or telephonic conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available for use, is permitted with consent of the defendant or juvenile for certain listed events including detention hearings under 3142 of title 18, United States Code, initial appearances under Rule 5 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and preliminary appearances under Rule 5.1 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Pursuant to General Order re COVID-19 Screening, the U.S. Marshals Service shall screen, or arrange for screening of, each detainee who is scheduled to appear in the district of Connecticut to determine his or her body temperature.

The COVID-19 General Order re Probation, Compliance Hearings & Attorney Admissions has suspended all compliance review hearings until further order of the court.

The District Court Clerk’s Office will not be open to the public, but operations will continue as detailed in the General Order.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office may conduct grand jury proceedings in person beginning May 18, 2020. Until further order of the Court, grand jury proceedings will take place only in the New Haven courthouse.

Pursuant to the General Order, the court authorizes the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for all events listed in Section 15002 of the CARES Act.

Counsel and self-represented parties do not need to provide courtesy copies to any judge’s chambers during such time as the court is operating under exigent circumstances created by COVID-19.

Criminal defendants will be entitled to consult with their attorneys via videoconference.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A (a)(1), and (c), the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Connecticut is hereby appointed to represent any then-unrepresented defendant previously determined to have been entitled to appointment of counsel, or who was previously represented by retained counsel and is presently indigent, for purposes of issues relating to requests for early release.

All tenants and visitors of 824 N Market Street are required to wear a mask or face covering at all times until further notice.

Per the Seventh Amended Standing Order dated December 9, the Court re-authorizes the use of video and teleconference technology in certain criminal proceedings. The re-authorization is effective beginning on December 23, 2021 and will remain in effect for up to 90 days unless terminated earlier.

The Bankruptcy Court has provided revised chambers procedures regarding hearings before the Honorable Christopher S. Sontchi, effective for all hearings on and after November 1, 2021.

Per the Second Order Amending Paragraph 7.a., all persons, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a face mask/covering in public areas of the Court. All other provisions of the Sixth Amended Order remain in effect.

Pursuant to Standing Order, dated May 25, 2021, the District of Delaware will begin to operate under Phase 3 of the Re-Opening Guidelines on June 7, 2021. Phase 3 begins a return to normal court operations and permits the Court to fully resume on-site and public-facing activities, including court proceedings, at the discretion of the presiding judge in each individual case.

Per the Bankruptcy Court’s Sixth Amended Order Governing the Conduct of Hearings Due to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) and Reconstituting Operations, effective June 4, 2021, at the discretion of the presiding judge, on a case-by-case basis, Court Hearings that are held on or after June 4, 2021, shall be held (i) by video conference, or (ii) by a combination of video conference and on-site in a courtroom. On-site Court Hearings shall be held at the discretion of the presiding judge, on a case-by-case basis, and shall be minimized and limited to critical cases only. Persons are allowed and encouraged to attend on-site Court Hearings remotely whenever possible.

Where a judge finds that obtaining an actual signature is impracticable or imprudent in light of the public health situation relating to COVID-19, any document may be signed electronically.

All deadlines set by Federal or Local Rules or Court Order, including, but not limited to, scheduling orders in all civil and criminal cases, remain in effect unless modified by further Order of the Court or by Order of the assigned judicial officer. All judicial officers are encouraged to conduct proceedings, including ADR proceedings, by telephone or videoconferencing where practicable and as permitted by law, and to take reasonable measures to avoid the necessity of out-of-town travel of any litigant, witness, counsel or the public.

Per the court’s March 17 Standing Order, courthouse access is prohibited by anyone who is self-quarantined because of travel to a country or region with an outbreak of COVID-19, resides or had close contact with someone who has been advised to self-quarantine, been diagnosed with or had known contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, or experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness such as fever, severe cough or shortness of breath.

The District and Bankruptcy courts should be promptly informed if a practitioner who has appeared in court develops symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19, or if a practitioner believes that a scheduled trial or in-person hearing requires the presence of a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 or has been in contact in the past fourteen days with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, the District Court and the Bankruptcy Court will conduct conferences and hearings telephonically when it is practicable and efficient to do so and will promptly consider any request to change a conference or hearing from being held in-person to via telephone.

The Bankruptcy Court will no longer accept hand delivery of any documents. The Interim Order specifies how (if at all) certain documents typically delivered via hand should be provided to the court.

Sealed criminal documents should be electronically submitted to the Court in PDF format, subject to the guidelines outlined in the March 18 Order.

The District Court has created an Electronic Civil Summons form (AO 440) for counsel to complete and use without requiring the Clerk to print, sign, seal, and handle the originals.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, orders directing the Attorney General to respond to a §2254 petition will set the 45-day filing deadline for the response in accordance with the existing procedure delineated in the August 27, 2014 Standing Order Regarding E-Service in Habeas Corpus Cases. However, the deadline for filing the related state court records will be set for a later date (up to a maximum of 90 days) as determined by the assigned judicial officer.

Counsel providing representation under the CJA may submit interim vouchers for payment of fees and expenses for both attorneys and their service providers in any case, without the necessity of filing a Motion for an Order Allowing Interim Payments.

All jury trials have been suspended until February 7, 2022. The public counters of the Clerk’s Office are closed until at least February 7, 2022.

Per Order 21-70, the CARES Act has been extended for remote proceedings through February 18, 2022.

As of July 31 and per Order 21-45, mask requirements in courthouses have been reinstated, regardless of vaccination status.

If conditions continue to improve, the court anticipates entering Phase Three of the COOP plan as early as September 1. Order 21-42 details access restrictions in place until September 1, 2021.

Order 21-33 extends the use of video teleconferencing and teleconferencing for certain criminal and juvenile delinquency proceedings, for 90 days from June 11.

Order 21-20 modifies the restrictions for courthouse entry.

Appendix 8 provides a plan for resumption of jury trials from the period of March 15, 2021 to August 31, 2021.

On March 4, the court set forth a plan in Appendix 8 to the Continuity of Operations Plan for the gradual resumption of jury trials beginning after March 15, 2021.

Effective August 10, 2020, access to the E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse and the William B. Bryant Annex will require that visitors take their temperature using a contactless temperature kiosk located at the 3rd Street entrance. A person with a temperature of 100.1 or higher will not be permitted to enter. If your temperature is above 100.1, please call the appropriate office for assistance.

Court of Appeals Clerk’s Office 202.216.7300

District & Bankruptcy Courts Clerk’s Office 202.354.3120

Probation Office 202.565.1300

Pretrial Services Agency 202.442.1000

Circuit Executive’s Office 202.216.7340

Per the COOP, CJA Interim vouchers continue to be permitted in all pending matters (Order 20-12). Requirement of person service resumed on June 15 (USMS Process Service). Order 20-27 regarding certain statutory deadlines for administrative and civil judicial asset forfeiture has been given a blanket extension of 60 days.

Per Order 20-26, effective April 27, 2020, all persons visiting the E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse and the William B. Bryant Annex (the “Courthouse”), including vendors, contractors, litigants, attorneys, and other members of the public, shall be required to wear a mask or face covering for their nose and mouth continuously during their visit to common or public areas of the courthouse. Any visitor seeking entry to the Courthouse without a mask or face covering shall be provided a mask by the Courts and, if no mask is available, the visitor will be asked to contact the office to be visited and determine whether alternate arrangements may be made to accomplish the business needs of the visitor without entry to the Courthouse. Members of the Court staff should and are requested to wear a mask or face covering when in the common or public areas of the courthouse and also in private work areas and non-public areas of the courthouse, such as non-public corridors and elevators, unless physical space permits sufficient distance of at least 6 feet from others. These restrictions will remain in place temporarily until further order of the Court.

Administrative Order 8:20-mc-25 authorizes the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for all events listed in Section 15002 of the CARES Act. The authority under the CARES Act has been extended and additional 90 days through January 26, 2022.

Pensacola Division: The United States Courthouse and the Winston E. Arnow Federal Building is temporarily closed. Staff will be available by telephone, but the public intake counter will not be accessible

Tampa Courthouse: The July 9 Order supplements the March 13 Order regarding the restriction of visitors to US Courthouses in the Middle District. All visitors to the courthouse are required to wear a face covering or mask in any public or common area. Each presiding judge will determine who will wear a face covering in the judge’s courtroom or chambers. Also all visitors will conform to social distancing measures.

Jacksonville Division: All jury trials scheduled to begin before May 31, 2020 are pending further order of the Court. All trial specific deadlines in civil and criminal cases scheduled to begin before May 31, 2020 are continued pending further notice. Individual judges will continue to conduct hearings, conferences, and bench trials at their discretion and are encouraged to conduct court proceedings by telephone or video conference.

Fort Myers Division: All jury trials scheduled to begin before August 31, 2020 are pending further order of the Court. All trial specific deadlines in civil and criminal cases scheduled to begin before August 31, 2020 are continued pending further notice. Individual judges will continue to conduct hearings, conferences, and bench trials at their discretion and are encouraged to conduct court proceedings by telephone or video conference.

Orlando Division: All jury trials scheduled to begin before August 31, 2020 are continued pending further order of the court. All trial specific deadlines in criminal cases scheduled to begin before August 31, 2020 are continued pending further notice. Individual judges will continue to conduct hearings, conferences, and bench trials at their discretion and are encouraged to conduct court proceedings by telephone or video conference. All grand jury empanelment are postponed until further notice. All persons entering the courthouse must wear a facemask as all times and must maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet apart unless they are members of the same household. CARES Act authorization is extended until September 30, 2020.The court has placed restrictions on access to anyone persons who has traveled to certain countries, has been quarantined, diagnosed with COVID-19, or has been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19.

Per the July 30, 2021 order regarding restrictions on courthouse access due to COVID-19, every person age four or over seeking to enter a courthouse, including employees and regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask that covers the person’s mouth, nose, and chin while: (1) in any public or common area of a courthouse, including elevators, hallways, lobbies, conference rooms, courtrooms, enclosed parking spaces, and bathrooms; and (2) in any secure or employee-designated spaces of a courthouse building, including elevators, hallways, lobbies, conference rooms, courtrooms, enclosed parking spaces, bathrooms, and any other space where two or more employees congregate. However, a judge may provide different guidance within their courtroom or chambers, and a court employee may receive different instructions from their supervisor within a private office.

If fully vaccinated, those entering the courthouse are no longer required to wear a mask unless directed to do so by a judge or other court official.

Effective Monday, July27, 2020, the United States Courthouse and the Winston E. Arnow Federal Building, located in the Pensacola Division of the Court, will be reopened to the public.

All court locations are closed until further notice with the exception of those who are required to attend court hearings, trials, or other matters that require in-person attendance. All jury trails scheduled to occur before June 30, 2020 are continued until further order of the court. All trial specific deadlines in criminal cases scheduled to begin before July 1, 2020, are continued pending further order of the court. Individual judges may continue trial-specific deadlines in civil cases as necessary

The requirement to hold all initial appearances, detention hearings, and arraignments by video teleconference will no longer be required. Hearings and other appearances before the court may be held remotely by video or telephone conference or in-person at a courthouse, as determined appropriate by the assigned judge.

The court is denying entry to anyone who has visited a high-risk country in the past fourteen days, has had close contact with someone who has visited those countries in the past fourteen days, has been diagnosed with COVID-19, has been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed or has been asked to self-quarantine by any hospital or health agency. All persons entering the courthouse must wear a facemask as all times and must maintain a social distance of at least 6’ apart unless they are members of the same household.

All persons entering any federal courthouse facility within the Southern District of Florida must wear a face mask at all times unless otherwise directed by the Court. All employees and on-site contractors are required to show proof of vaccination status.

All jury trials in the Southern District of Florida scheduled to begin on or after March 30, 2020, are continued until July 6, 2021 pending further order of the Court. All trial-specific deadlines in criminal cases scheduled to begin before July 6, 2021 are continued pending further order of the court. Individual judges may continue to hold hearings and bench trials at their discretion and are encouraged to conduct court proceedings by telephone or video conferencing.

All grand jury proceedings are continued until November 16, 2020 pending further order of the court. Two grand juries per week will be permitted to resume. All members of the grand jury will be partially sequestered while at the courthouse for their safety and protection.

Administrative Order 2020-23 (CARES Act) authorizes judges, with the defendants consent, to use video conferencing, or telephonic conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonable available for a list of specific events noted in the order. The CARES Act is extended through November 25, 2021.

Administrative Order 2020-20 concerns the staffing of the court and a change in the hours of the public intake window.

Court security officers are screening people who enter the federal courthouse and denying entry to anyone who has recently visited a high-risk country, resides with or has had recent close contact with someone who has traveled to one of those countries, has been asked to self-quarantine, or has been diagnosed with or had contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19. All persons entering the courthouse must wear a facemask as all times and must maintain a social distance of at least 6’ apart unless they are members of the same household.

Under the CARES Act, per Order 2021-09, the proceedings identified in Standing Order 2020-03 will be conducted by video and/or audio means for an additional 90 days from October 26, 2021.

Per Order 2021-08, unvaccinated and fully vaccinated persons must wear masks unless otherwise ordered by the Court. Masks will be provided to entrants if necessary.

Standing Order 2021-06 regards restrictions to courthouse entry and supersedes Order 2021-04.

Per Standing Order 2021-03, jury trials shall not be held in the Middle District of Georgia through May 2, 2021.

Standing Order 2021-01 sets forth procedures for filing certain highly sensitive documents.

Per Standing Order 2020-01, all jury trials have been continued for 60 days from the date of the order. COVID-19 courthouse entry restrictions have been put in place in response to the coronavirus. Standing Order 2020-13 amends Standing Orders 2020-01, 2020-02, 2020-07, 2020-08, 2020-10, and 2020-12, and states that the jury trial moratorium is extended until February 28, 2021. All previous standing orders shall remain in effect unless they are inconsistent with Standing Order 2020-13.

To the extent possible with available technology, initial appearances, arraignments and detention hearings will be held remotely pursuant to the applicable rules and as directed by the judge assigned to the case.

Standing Order 2020-03 grants a judge the authority, with the consent of the defendant or a juvenile after the defendant or juvenile confers with counsel, to use video conferencing, or telephonic conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for a number of items listed in the order. Per Standing Order 2020-08, the provisions of Standing Order 2020-03 shall remain in effect until September 30, 2020.

Per Standing Order 2020-05, all grand jurors who are not excused shall report to the William A. Bootle Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse when summoned. Grand jurors will be divided among four courtrooms and distanced from one another within each courtroom.

Per Standing Order 20-09, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia will resume essential in-person, non-jury court proceedings at the discretion of the presiding judge beginning July 13, 2020. However, the Clerk’s Office shall remain closed for in-person business. Mask or other face coverings will be required when inside any courthouse in the Middle District of Georgia. Masks must be content neutral and may not express offensive or inappropriate content. Masks will be provided to entrants if necessary.

Per Amended Standing Order 2020-09, the following persons shall not enter any courthouse or U.S. Probation Office of the Middle District of Georgia without prior permission from the Chief Judge or his designee: (a) persons who have been diagnosed with, or had close contact with, anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the previous fourteen days; or (b) persons who have been asked to self-quarantine by any healthcare provider within the previous fourteen days; or (c) persons who within the previous fourteen (14) days have been on a cruise, traveled outside of the U.S., or traveled to any area that has been declared in quarantine for COVID-19; or (d) persons with any symptom of COVID-19 identified by the CDC, including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, new loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. The clerk’s is working remotely. All persons seeking in-person assistance from the clerk’s office shall be provided with contact information so alternate arrangements can be made.

Per Amended Standing Order 2020-09, in-person attendance at court proceedings shall be limited to all counsel of record, criminal defendants, up to six visitors per criminal defendant, case agents, victims, parties to civil proceedings, and media representatives. If witnesses are anticipated, counsel shall coordinate the number and staggering of witnesses with the court in advance of the hearing. Masks or other face coverings that cover the mouth and nose must be worn by all persons in all public areas of court unit occupied space. Masks will be provided if necessary. Presiding judges shall establish the requirement for wearing masks for court proceedings in their courtrooms. Anyone denied entry due to these precautions, or anyone with a documented health condition that prevents the wearing of a mask or other face covering will be provided with contact information to contact the relevant court or other agency with whom they have business. The U.S. Marshal, his deputies, and court security officers shall deny entry to anyone attempting to enter in violation of this Order, and shall have the authority to remove anyone from a courthouse or U.S. Probation Office in the Middle District for failure to abide by this Order while in our facilities. Nothing in this order prevents hearings from being conducted remotely pursuant to the CARES Act with the consent of the Defendant and approval of the presiding judge.

Order 21-04, dated September 2, provides updated guidance regarding masking and entry requirements.

Order 2020-04, amended November 22, 2021, further extends the authorization of video and telephone conferencing in certain criminal proceedings due to COVID-19.

Per Order 21-03, the public counters in Rome and Gainesville re-open on June 1.

The Eleventh Amendment to General Order 20-01 extends the suspension of jury trials through and including May 2, 2021 due to COVID-19 but allows for grand jurors to continue to be summoned and for grand jury proceedings to continue to be held. The amendment also allows prospective petit jurors to be summoned for trials scheduled to begin after May 2, 2021.

General Order 21-01, dated January 13, 2021, sets forth filing requirements for certain highly sensitive documents.

Per General Order 20-08, all employees, visitors, and contractors entering U.S. District Courthouses in Atlanta, Gainesville, Newnan, and Rome will: (1) review COVID-19 screening questions posted at the entrances to each courthouse; (2) not enter the courthouse in the event the visitor or employee answers yes to any of the screening questions; (3) observe social distancing while in a courthouse; (4) wear a face covering or mask (“mask”) that completely covers the wearer’s nose and mouth at all times while in the public areas of the courthouse unless the entrant is less than two years old. Each Judge may establish the mask policy for his or her chambers and courtroom for both court staff and all others. Visitors seeking entry to the courthouse who do not have a mask will be provided a mask. If a mask cannot be provided for any reason, the visitor will be provided the telephone number of the office he or she wishes to visit to explore alternatives to entering the courthouse. The U.S. Marshal, his Deputies, and the Court Security Officers shall enforce this Order and deny entry to those individuals not wearing a mask or failing to review the screening procedures.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the computer terminals at the Clerk’s Office intake counters designated for use by members of the public to review dockets in cases filed in the Northern District of Georgia temporarily are unavailable. You may review Court documents remotely by registering for a PACER account at https://www.pacer.gov/reg_pacer.html. If you need assistance with accessing court documents, you may call the Clerk’s Office at 404-215-1635.

The Sidney O. Smith Jr. Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Gainesville has re-opened. Entry to all federal courthouses in the Northern District of Georgia continues to be subject to the entry restrictions set forth in General Order 20-08.

General Order 20-07 temporarily closes the public counters in the Rome and Gainesville divisions until further notice. Members of the public may continue to file documents and make payments in both the Rome and Gainesville divisions by using a drop box provided outside of the clerk’s office in each division and following the posted instructions.

The court is denying entry to anyone who has traveled internationally in the past fourteen days, has had close contact with someone who has traveled internationally in the past fourteen days, has been diagnosed with COVID-19, has been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed or has been asked to self-quarantine by any hospital or health agency. Those denied entry may appear by teleconference with approval of the presiding judge.

Per Order 121-035, authorizations contained in the Court's March 30, 2020 General Order regarding the CARES Act are renewed for 90 days from December 9, 2021.

Standing Order 121-016 regards guidelines for courthouse entry.

All persons entering the Courthouses will be screened for a fever of 100.0 of higher. Also, all persons who enter the courthouse for official business are required to wear a face mask.

Online payments may only be made through this link. Drop off payments will only be accepted from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Augusta, Savannah, and Brunswick Courthouses. Instructions are located at the drop box station. Phone payments will only be processed Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please call 912-650-4020, 912-280-1330, or 706-849-4400 to make any phone payments.

Beginning on June 15, 2020, the City of Augusta will close James Brown Blvd. between Telfair Street and Walton Way to thru traffic to allow for utility and sidewalk improvements. The closure is expected to last 60-90 days. Access to the main security gate of the Augusta Judicial Center on James Brown Blvd. will be from Telfair Street only.

Standing Order 005 provides judges in the district authority, with the consent of the defendant or a juvenile after consultation with counsel, to use video conferencing, or telephonic conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonable available, for certain items listed in the order.

Standing Order 004 restricts access to anyone who has been to or been in close contact with anyone who has been to a Level 3 country in the last 14 days; has been on a cruise in the last 14 days; has been diagnosed with, or has had contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19; has been asked to self-quarantine by any hospital or health agency; or is exhibiting cold or flu symptoms.

Per Standing Order 20-18, the Governor of the State of Georgia has extended a public health state of emergency through August 10, 2020.

General Order 20-0013 (CARES Act) authorizes the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for all events listed in Section 15002 of the CARES Act. CARES Act is extended through March 13, 2022.

All criminal jury selection and trials in the District of Guam shall proceed 6 unless otherwise ordered by the presiding judge. In-court proceedings shall be held y for all guilty pleas, sentencings, and evidentiary hearings requiring witness testimony (such as motions to suppress or supervised release evidentiary hearings) 8 unless otherwise ordered by the presiding judge in accordance with General Order No. 2020-13 (procedures pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act").

All other in-court criminal proceedings may proceed at the discretion of the presiding judge; however, judges remain authorized and are strongly encouraged to 12 conduct proceedings by video* or telephonic conference.

All civil jury trials in the District of Guam shall proceed unless otherwise ordered by the presiding judge. All other in-court civil proceedings are permitted at the discretion of the

presiding judge; however, judges remain authorized and are strongly encouraged to

conduct all other civil case proceedings by video or telephonic conference where practical.

All regularly scheduled grand jury proceedings have resumed

The court has placed restrictions on persons who have traveled to certain countries, been quarantined, diagnosed with COVID-19, or been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19. General Order 20-0020 requires that any person, employee, or visitor to the courthouse to wear a mask or face covering when in common or public areas of the courthouse.

Any person who intends to appear in: (1) a courtroom or before a grand jury; (2) a judge’s office or meeting room in the courthouse; or (3) the offices of United States Probation or Pretrial Services, is required either to verify full vaccination against COVID-19, or supply proof of a negative COVID-19 test result from a test taken no more than 72 hours before entering the courthouse. PCR tests, NAAT rapid tests, and antigen rapid tests administered at a pharmacy, health department, doctor’s office, healthcare provider, or official government site are acceptable. “At home” test results will not be accepted. Per the August 17, 2021 Temporary General Order, the courthouse and the Clerk’s Office will be open to the public Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, other than on holidays recognized by the court. All persons entering the courthouse, including but not limited to litigants, attorneys, members of the public, media, vendors, and contractors, shall be required to wear a face mask (without valves) that fully covers the nose and mouth while in all public areas of the courthouse. There are three exceptions to this rule: 1) children too young to wear a face mask; 2) those who cannot wear a face mask due to medical necessity may wear a face shield in lieu of a face mask; and 3) a presiding judge may permit specific individuals to forgo wearing a face mask, or permit the wearing of a face shield in lieu of a face mask, in that judge’s courtroom.

In order to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission, the court will make efforts to minimize traffic in the courthouse. Each presiding district or magistrate judge will determine whether civil matters, including case management matters, settlement conferences, and hearings, will be taken off calendar pursuant to Local Rule 7.1, or conducted by telephone, Zoom, or in court. Each presiding judge will determine how to proceed with non-jury trials.

The CARES Act has been extended through April 4, 2022.

For registered CM/ECF users, filings will be processed in civil and criminal cases via the CM/ECF electronic system, by mail, in person at the Clerk’s Office, or through use of the court’s drop box located outside the courthouse. Further, sealed matters may be filed by email to the Clerk’s Office at orders@hid.uscourts.gov.

Although the court will continue to prioritize the resumption of criminal trials, limited civil trials will be held. The court has designated Courtroom 8, which is too small to conduct a criminal jury trial, as its primary civil jury trial courtroom. Given the size of Courtroom 8, along with the need to socially distance, only relatively short trials with a limited number of courtroom participants (such as lawyers, paralegals, IT staff, or clients) will be able to proceed. The presiding judge has the discretion to determine if a particular civil case is appropriate for a jury trial in Courtroom 8.

The US District Court and Bankruptcy Court is closed to the public until May 11, 2020 except for essential hearings. The presiding judge will determine what is and is not essential. Video and telephonic means will be utilized to the extent possible. Persons in the court are to maintain a distance of 6 feet from one another.

All jury trials are suspended through February 28, 2021. For all civil cases all motions will be decided on the briefs unless all parties join in a request for a hearing. If granted the hearing will be conducted by video or telephone proceedings. All grand jury proceedings are suspended through February 28, 2020 and the period of filing an indictment has been extended an additional 30 days.

General Order No. 363 authorizes the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for all events listed in Section 15002 of the CARES Act. Bankruptcy forms have been updated to reflect changes made by the CARES Act. The CARES Act authorization has been extended until December 22, 2021.

General Order 364 incorporate and supplements orders, 362 and 363 setting forth the procedure for any filing made pursuant to the Bail Reform Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3141 et seq., in response to COVID-19. All other motions regarding detention or release not based on COVID-19, will proceed in the regular course.

The court has restricted access to anyone experiencing shortness of breath, flu-like symptoms, fever, or coughing and sneezing as well as anyone who has visited a high-risk area.

Per General Order No. 402, individuals, whether vaccinated or not, may enter the courthouses in Boise, Pocatello and Coeur d’Alene, but will be required to wear masks throughout the duration of their visit to the courthouse. Mask requirements for all in-court proceedings will be subject to the presiding judge’s discretion. These requirements may include, but are not limited to, requiring those visiting courtrooms or participating in hearings to provide verification of their vaccination status.

Pursuant to the Third Amended General Order 21-02, the federal courthouses in Peoria, Springfield, and Urbana will be open with regular business hours. Court operations in the Rock Island Division, temporarily relocated in Davenport, Iowa, will be open with regular business hours. All persons, regardless of vaccination status, seeking entry to, or occupying any of the District’s courthouses, must wear a face covering in the public areas of the courthouses. Individuals who provide medical documentation that they are unable to wear a face covering will be excepted. Additionally, the Court continues to authorize the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for specified criminal proceedings, as specified in the CARES Act. Non-fully vaccinated persons seeking entry to, or occupying any of the District’s courthouses, must wear a face covering in the public areas of the courthouses and maintain six feet of physical distance from other persons whenever possible. The Amended Order will remain in effect until September 19, 2021. Individuals without access to the Court’s electronic filing system may submit filings for District Court and Bankruptcy Court via United States Mail to the relevant divisional mailing address or to a drop box located in each location.

Per the Eleventh Amended Administrative Order, the federal courthouses in East St. Louis and Benton will be open to the public. In-person settings may be set at the discretion of the presiding judge. Teleconferencing and videoconferencing will continue to be utilized.

Civil and criminal bench and jury trials will be conducted at a pace and in a manner consistent with the new CDC guidance. Any trials currently schedules remain set, absent order of the presiding judge. All persons seeking entry to, or occupying the courthouse, must wear a face mask in the public areas of the courthouses. The Eleventh Amended Administrative Order also delineates a comprehensive list of categories of individuals who shall not enter either courthouse. Furthermore, all public events and ceremonies may resume, subject to the Court’s COVID-19 safety protocols. The Clerk’s Offices in East St. Louis and Benton are open to the public. Per Administrative Order No. 266, the federal courthouses in East St. Louis and Benton will be open to the public, subject to restrictions related to maintaining the public health. Civil and criminal bench and jury trials will be conducted at a pace and in a manner consistent with the new CDC guidance. Any trials currently scheduled remain set, absent order of the presiding judge. The Clerk’s Offices in East St. Louis and Benton will be open to the public, subject to restrictions as local conditions dictate.

Anyone who is age 60 or over or who has a serious underlying health condition (such as immunodeficiency, heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes), has flu-like symptoms, or has been in any of the countries or regions designated as Level 3 by the CDC within the past fourteen days should contact the clerk’s office before coming to court.

Per the Sixth Amended General Order 20-022, grand juries shall continue to meet, with reasonable limits on grand jury sessions imposed by the Court in consultation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The Court authorizes the use of videoconferencing and teleconferencing for several criminal hearings.

Amended General Order 21-0006 details the Court’s amended plan for the safe resumption of jury trials and court operations.

Per the Third Amended Order, a face covering or mask must always completely conceal the wearer’s nose and mouth for entry to the Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse and the Stanley J. Roszkowski U.S. Courthouse.

For the Bankruptcy Court, all court calls will be held remotely by electronic means. No personal appearances in court will be necessary or permitted, unless the judge orders otherwise. Attorneys must direct their clients not to appear in person at the courthouse. Any matter not subject to a deadline in the Bankruptcy Code or Bankruptcy Rules may be continued to another date by agreement of the parties. To obtain a continuance, the parties should contact chambers. Local Rule 9013-1(E)(1) governing presentment of motions in court is suspended. All motions will be heard remotely by electronic means, without personal appearances. Third Amended General Order 20-03 details procedures that apply to all motions noticed for presentment on or after October 13, 2020.

Effective May 27, all persons seeking entry to the courthouses must wear a face covering.

The U.S. District and Bankruptcy Courts will be closed on January 17, 2021 and February 21, 2021.

Pursuant to the Tenth Administrative Order No. 266, effective September 07, 2021, the activation and implementation of the district's COOP /COVID-19 Plan continues until further order of the Court. However, the federal courthouses in East St. Louis and Benton will be open to the public, subject to restrictions related to maintaining the public health. In person settings may be set at the discretion of the presiding judge. Courtroom safety protocols are left to the discretion of the presiding judge. Teleconferencing and videoconferencing will continue to be utilized to ensure the work of the Court continues in a safe and efficient manner. Civil and criminal bench and jury trials will be conducted at a pace and in a manner consistent with the new CDC guidance. Any trials currently scheduled remain set, absent order of the presiding judge.

The Clerk's Offices in East St. Louis and Benton will be open to the public, subject to restrictions as local conditions dictate.

All persons seeking entry to courthouses must wear a face covering or mask.

The court has restricted access to the courthouse to anyone who has listed symptoms as well as persons who have been diagnosed with or have had contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last 14 days and persons who have been asked to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital, or health agency within the last 14 days, or who are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 viral test.

Pursuant to Order 263, video conferencing is authorized.

All in person jury trials are continued until at least April 5, 2021. Jury trials conducted by video conference may proceed upon motion and/or Order of the presiding Judge.

In-person criminal plea and sentencing hearings will resume in all divisions beginning July 6, 2020. While single defendant criminal jury trials will resume in all divisions beginning July 20, 2020. The public may attend trials by remote viewing inside the courthouse and/or in the courtroom galleries. The CARES Act authorization has been extended an additional 90 days from March 3, 2022.

Other than jury trials, civil and criminal proceedings shall continue to proceed by telephone or video teleconference as ordered in any particular case. In all divisions, limited in-person criminal proceedings shall begin on June 15, 2020.

Given the ongoing health risks posed by the pandemic and the space limitations on the Court's ability to conduct all proceedings safely in person, parties are encouraged to consider conducting proceedings remotely as permitted by law and previous orders of the Court. In addition, parties are encouraged to conduct depositions remotely to the extent permitted by law.

All courthouses will open to the public beginning July 6, 2020. All visitors to all courthouses (employees and non-employees) are required to wear a face covering to enter the building and will be asked question regarding symptoms and exposure to COVID-19.

Per General Order 2021-21, all persons entering any public space in all courthouses in the Southern District of Indiana are to wear face coverings in all public areas of these facilities, regardless of vaccination status. Further, all persons in any public space of these courthouses must maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others whenever possible or unless social distancing cannot be accommodated due to operational necessity.

Persons appearing in Judge Mahoney’s courtroom or chambers are highly recommended to wear face masks. Social distancing of at least six (6) feet is recommended,

Individuals who have not been fully vaccinated are strongly encouraged to wear appropriate facemasks while in common areas of the courthouse. Each judge may establish and enforce their own requirements for the use of masks in chambers and courtrooms.

The court will begin conducting jury trials effective June 1, 2020. However, should any party desire a continuance of a jury trial scheduled on or after June 1, 2020, due to ongoing public health concerns, the presiding judge will give due consideration to such a motion. Order 20-AO-0003-P, which modified public hours for the court, will expire effective June 1, 2020.

All civil and criminal jury trials scheduled to commence on or before May 31, 2020 are continued pending further order of the court. Non-jury proceedings, such as bench trials and hearings will proceed as scheduled unless continued, on a case-by-case basis, by the presiding judge. All deadlines established in civil cases remain in place, pending any case-specific adjustments to be made on motion from the parties or on the court’s own motion. All grand jury proceedings that are scheduled to appear after May 11, 2020 are to proceed as scheduled. The Order authorizes the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for all events listed in Section 15002 of the CARES Act. The CARES Act is authorized through June 16, 2021.

The court has restricted access to anyone experiencing shortness of breath, flu-like symptoms, fever, or coughing and sneezing, as well as anyone who has visited a high-risk area. The public hours for court operations on regular business days at the Sioux City and Cedar Rapids courthouses is 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Face masks or shields must be worn at all times in the common areas of the courthouse.

All civil and criminal jury trials currently set until July 6, 2020 are continued pending further order. All civil and criminal jury trials currently set in the Central Division (only) of the Southern District of Iowa from now until September 8, 2020 are continued pending further order.

Public Administrative Order No. 20-AO-6-P authorizes the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for all events listed in Section 15002 of the CARES Act. This court’s Public Administrative Order 20-AO-6-P dated March 29, 2020 is therefore continued in effect for cases filed in the Central Division of this court until September 8, 2020. Beginning July 1, 2020, that order is terminated for cases filed in the Western and Eastern Divisions of the court.

All visitors to all courthouses (employees and non-employees) are required to wear a face covering to enter the building and will be asked question regarding symptoms and exposure to COVID-19. All individuals must check their temperature upon entry to the courthouse at proximity temperature scanners located at the entrance.

All paper filings are to be placed in the drop box inside the court security station at the entrance of the Des Moines, Council Bluffs and Davenport courthouses. Payments should also be placed in the drop box or may make payments online through pay.gov.

Persons with an elevated risk of transmitting the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 shall not enter any Courthouse or Probation Office without prior permission from the Chief Judge.

All civil and criminal jury trials and all in-person hearings or bench trials schedule to commence now through March 31, 2021 are continued subject to further order of the court. Any existing grand jury may meet during this period subject to the discretion of the U.S. Attorney and the Court. Emergency in-person hearings may be conducted if determined necessary by the presiding judicial Officer.

The presiding judge has the discretion to conduct courtroom hearings in civil and criminal cases that do not involve custodial defendants or when the custodial defendant has waived appearance or is appearing remotely in the courtroom. Criminal cases in which the custodial defendant are to appear are determined by the senior active judge in consultation with Clerk of the Court after applying the three gating criteria identified in the Federal Judiciary COVID-19 Recovery Guidelines. All grand jury proceedings are suspended indefinitely until the national emergency ends or the when the Judicial Conference of the United States finds that the federal courts are no longer materially affected.

The court will take reasonable protective measures including but not limited to physical barriers, social distancing, requiring wearing of masks or face shields, and sanitizing of exposed areas between hearings. The presiding judge also has discretion, and is strongly encouraged to use video and teleconferencing in criminal hearings, and in civil hearings and trials.

The court has authorized the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for all events listed in Section 15002 of the CARES Act. The CARES Act authorization is extended through March 20, 2022.

The Lexington courthouse is open is open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), subject to all restrictions previously outlined in paragraphs 12 and 13 of General Order No. 20-03, and subject to intervening orders.

With specific exceptions, the court’s order continued civil and criminal trials are continued through May 16, 2021, subject to further order of the court. All trials currently in progress will be completed at the discretion of the presiding judge.

General Order 20-05, 20-07, 20-10 authorizes the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for all events listed in Section 15002 of the CARES Act. The order is extended through May 16, 2021.

The court has restricted access to the courthouse to anyone who has travelled within the past fourteen days, resides or had close contact with someone who has traveled abroad or to a location with a known outbreak within the past fourteen days, has been asked to self-quarantine, has been diagnosed with or had close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, has a fever, cough or shortness of breath, who has had to fly for the scheduled proceeding, or who would raise a reasonable concern of exposure.

All civil and criminal jury trials scheduled to begin on or before April 30, 2021, are continued generally and can be rescheduled by separate order of the presiding judge. All trial-specific deadlines in criminal cases scheduled for trial on or before April 30, 2021, are continued pending further order of the Court. All grand jury proceedings are continued through April 30, 2021. Any judge may, in his or her discretion, determine that the need to conduct a jury trial during this period outweighs the public health concerns addressed herein. Individual judges may continue trial-specific deadlines in civil cases at their discretion. Each presiding judge retains the discretion to conduct hearings in-person or by way of video or telephone conferencing.

Due to the suspension of jury trials within the Western District, the petit jurors who were summoned to serve a two-month term of service in the Louisville division from November 2, 2020, to December 31, 2020, shall now serve an amended two-month term of service from January 4, 2021 to March 7, 2021.

General Order 2020-05 authorizes the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for all events listed in Section 15002 of the CARES Act. The CARES Act authorization will remain in effect through March 17, 2022.

Per General Order 2021-16, all persons over two years of age shall wear a face covering or mask at all times within all public areas of the courthouse, regardless of their vaccination status. Subject to the discretion of the presiding judge, all persons over two years of age who are present during court proceedings shall wear a face covering or mask.

The following people are barred from entry into the courthouse: persons who have been diagnosed with or have had contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with coronavirus; persons with a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, flu-like symptoms, or other symptoms of respiratory illness; persons who have traveled to certain high risk countries in the past 14 days, or have come into close contact with anyone who has traveled to those countries within the past 14 days; and persons who have been asked to self-quarantine by any health care provider or agency.

General Order 21-15 (Proof of Vaccination or Negative COVID Test Required to Enter the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana), General Order 21-16 (CARES Act Extension), and General Order 21-17 (Amending Order 21-15)

Effective November 1, 2021, all individuals seeking entry to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana (including District Judges’ chambers and courtrooms, Magistrate Judges’ chambers and courtrooms, the Clerk’s Office, the U.S. Probation Office, and the Bankruptcy Court) must provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before entry. See GO 21-15 for further details.

All civil and criminal jury trials are suspended until November 1, 2021 and will be reset by each presiding judge. Those continuances do not continue any pending deadlines other than the trial dates. Attorneys should contact the presiding judges in their continued cases if they seek to modify such other deadlines.

With regard to criminal trials, this order extends criminal trial deadlines previously addressed in General Orders 21-11 and 21-12. Due to the Court’s reduced ability to safely obtain an adequate spectrum of jurors and the effect of Hurricane Ida and the recent surge of COVID-19 cases on the ability of counsel and Court staff to be safely present in the courtroom.

All person’s regardless of whether they are vaccinated or not are required to wear a mask or face covering while in public or common spaces inside the Courthouse. Unless they have received a specific exception by a Court official or has been instructed by an Officer with the U.S. Marshals Service, the Federal Protective Services, or Court Security. The presiding judge in any proceeding may authorize the removal of a mask during the proceeding.

Effective November 1, 2020, the Hale Boggs Federal Building located at 500 Poydras Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, which houses the United States District Court as well as the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, is open to the general public for limited purposes.

General Order 20-3 is effective March 23, 2020, and subject to the conditions General Order 20-2, and adjusts criminal proceedings before the Magistrate Judges so that court is only convened on Mondays and Fridays and, to the extent feasible, these twice-weekly court sessions will be conducted by videoconference, as long as the defendant consents to that procedure. The court will address requests to reschedule on a case-by-case basis.

General Order 20-4, 20-08, and 20-11 that authorized the CARES Act is extended until March 6, 2022.

All individuals entering the courthouse are required to wear face coverings and to maintain the appropriate social distance.

General Order 20-5 closes the Hale Boggs Federal building, which houses the District and Bankruptcy courts to the general public. Documents may be filed electronically, by U.S. Mail, or by facsimile.

Drop boxes are available at the courthouse for those who wish to submit paper documents. The Clerk’s office will not accept sealed documents on paper for filings. Sealed documents should be submitted by email to the court using encrypted “Send Securely” option on ones email. Non-sealed pleadings are to be submitted through CM/ECF.

Fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear masks. Judicial Officers may require anyone to wear masks or to physically distance themselves at any time.

All civil and criminal trials (bench and jury) may be held and all scheduling is within the discretion of the presiding judge. All in-court civil evidentiary hearings and other in-court hearings and proceedings requiring personal appearances, on the dockets of the United States District Court and the United States Bankruptcy Court, may be resumed. In-court re-arraignments and sentencing hearings may be resumed within the sound discretion of the presiding Judge. All scheduling is within the sound discretion of the presiding Judge.

The authority to resume trials, hearings and other in-court proceedings does not in any way limit the discretion of the presiding Judge to conduct all or part of any proceedings by video conference or telephone conference as previously authorized by the Court and by the CARES Act, which is extended through January 15, 2022.

All employees and persons having business in the Russell B. Long Courthouse and Federal Building are required to wear masks in any public s pace in the buildings, observe social distancing, and observe all posted signs and placards.

All those entering any federal courthouse must wears a mask regardless of their vaccination status. Individual judges will determine mask requirements for their courtrooms, chambers, and conference rooms.

All civil and criminal jury trials, bench trials, hearings, conferences, and/or proceedings are subject to the discretion of the trial judge presiding over the case, beginning April 5, 2021. Judges are still encouraged to utilize video conferencing and teleconferencing to the extent possible. Public access to the Clerk of the Court Offices in the Alexandria, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, and Shreveport Divisions may resume on July 6, 2021.

The court is restricting access to courthouses for anyone who has visited a high-risk country in the last fourteen days, resides or had close contact with someone who has traveled to a high-risk country in the last fourteen days, has been diagnosed with or had contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 or is exhibiting severe symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, excessive coughing, or extreme shortness of breath.

First Supplemental Order suspends public access to all Court Offices. Drop boxes are to be used for any court filings.

The Third Supplemental Order authorizes the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for all events listed in Section 15002 of the CARES Act. The Eight Supplemental Order continues the CARES Act through March 20, 2022.

All events involving the Court that are not case-specific, including, but not limited to, CLE, administration of oaths to attorneys, and naturalization ceremonies conducted by the Court are cancelled and may be rescheduled as appropriate on or after July 6, 2021.

Effective April 1, 2021, the Court will schedule in-person hearings and non-jury trials that cannot be conducted by videoconference or telephone conference if, on motion of a party or on the Court’s own initiative, the presiding Judge finds that, in the interests of justice, an immediate in-person hearing or non-jury trial is necessary.

Effective June 1, 2021, the Court will schedule in-person hearings and non-jury trials that cannot be conducted by videoconference or telephone conference.

All civil jury empanelment and jury trials are continued until the July 2021 Jury term. All criminal jury empanelment and jury trials scheduled to commence are continued until the August 2021 jury term.

In-court hearings in criminal and civil cases scheduled during the period December 14, 2020, through March 31, 2021, are continued. No in-court hearings will be scheduled during this period absent a judicial determination that an in-court hearing is required to address an emergency request involving a serious threat of immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or damage. All criminal and civil jury empanelment and trials scheduled to commence in the Bangor and Portland Divisions of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine are continued until the April 2021 Jury Term.

Grand Jury operations in the court have now resumed with pre-pandemic frequency.

Under the CARES Act review, the court authorized judges to use video conferencing and when not available telephonic until March 2, 2022.

The Clerk’s Office have been reduced and the office is only open for document filing. Those filings documents must leave them at designative drop-off points in the court at the designated time. All persons entering the courthouse must wear a facemask as all times and must maintain a social distance of at least 6’ apart unless they are members of the same household.

Per General Order 2021-6 (Amended), mask requirements apply to all persons entering the Courthouse or court-occupied spaces whether they are vaccinated or unvaccinated, unless otherwise ordered by a Judge. When this requirement is in effect, signage will be posted at the entrance informing the public that all individuals must wear masks. The following requirements apply to the Edward T. Gignoux Courthouse in Portland, the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Offices in Bangor and Portland, the United States Bankruptcy Court in Portland, and the third floor of the Margaret Chase Smith Federal Building in Bangor.

All jury selections are postponed until February 14, 2022.

Effective January 5, all persons entering district courthouses must wear a KN-95, N-95, or surgical mask.

Effective September 8, 2021, all persons entering U.S. Courthouses in this District, except for criminal defendants, sitting and prospective Grand and Petit Jurors, and lay witnesses in criminal cases, must be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus unless granted a medical or religious exemption.  On an interim basis, persons seeking to enter a Courthouse who are unvaccinated, or who are not fully vaccinated, may provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test administered no more than 72 hours prior to seeking entry, except as provided in Standing Order 2021-16 for unvaccinated persons who have recently been diagnosed or exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms.

Per Standing Order 2021-14, the use of video and telephone conferencing, under certain circumstances and with the consent of the defendant, for various criminal case events pursuant to the CARES Act, is authorized for another 90 days from December 20, 2021.

Amended Standing Order 2021-07 concerns modifications to the Court’s Phase 3 plan and who may enter the courthouse.

Per Amended Order 2021-04, the court will reenter Phase Three on March 1, and will begin conducting jury trials on or after March 15, 2021.

Per Order 2020-18, the following persons shall not enter any U.S. Courthouse or U.S. Probation Office in this District: (1) Persons who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or told to presume they have COVID-19 by a health professional within the last 14 days; (2) persons who have had contact in the last 14 days with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or told to presume they have COVID-19 by a health professional, unless the diagnosis was more than 14 days ago and the person diagnosed has been symptom-free for the past 72 hours; (3) persons who have been asked to self-quarantine by any physician, hospital, or health agency; (4) person who have a temperature of 100.00 degrees or higher, as measured by the touchless thermometers at the entrance to each Courthouse, which all persons are required to use prior to entry; (5) persons who have had fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sort throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea within the last 14 days, unless the symptoms are attributable to another known condition; (6) persons who reside with someone who has had fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea within the last 14 days, unless the symptoms are attributable to another known condition; (7) persons who have returned from international travel or a cruise ship voyage within the past 14 days; and (8) persons who have been released from a federal, state or local jail, prison, or other correctional institution within the last 14 days, except those who are reporting to be fit with a location monitoring device or as otherwise ordered by the court.

Pursuant to Order 20-146, dated September 23, 2020, the Court will proceed into Phase Three at 8:30 AM on Monday, September 28, 2020.

The District Court issued Standing Order 2020-02 restricting access to courthouses and probation offices. Additionally, those who are scheduled to appear in court and who are over the age of 60 or who have severe underlying health conditions – such as immunodeficiency, heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes – regardless of age, should contact the court to reschedule.

Videoconferencing is available as detailed in Order 2020-06. See instructions for more information on how to remotely attend a public hearing. No court proceedings may be photographed, recorded, broadcast, or otherwise transmitted without the express permission of the Court.

The court remains open for emergency criminal, civil, and bankruptcy matters related to public safety, public health and welfare, and individual liberty. Electronic filing through CM/ECF remains available, and self-represented litigants may deposit and date-stamp papers in the drop boxes at each courthouse between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The court has issued a COVID-19 Pandemic Procedures Order exempting the conduct of discovery in civil cases from the suspension of deadlines set forth in Standing Order 2020-07, unless otherwise ordered by the presiding judge, and provided the parties agree to continue and that the conduct of discovery does not involve conduct by counsel or the parties that would contravene public health orders or directives.

Per Third Amended Order 2020-10, all persons seeking entry to, or occupying, the United States Courthouses in Baltimore, Greenbelt, or Salisbury must wear a face covering or mask (“the mask”). The mask must completely conceal the wearer’s nose and mouth at all times and may not incorporate a one-way valve (typically a raised plastic cylinder about the size of a quarter on the front or side of the mask). Neither bandanas nor neck gaiters constitute appropriate masks under the terms of this Order. If the wearer is a court employee who is alone in a private office or workspace, which permits at least six feet of physical distance from other persons, the wearer may temporarily remove the mask. Any visitor seeking entry to the courthouse without a mask will be provided a mask by the court. If the court is unable to provide a mask for any reason, the visitor will be asked to contact by telephone the office to be visited to explore alternatives to entering the Courthouse. The United States Marshal, his Deputies, and the Court Security Officers shall enforce this Order and deny entry to those individuals not wearing a mask.

Per Order 2020-11, effective immediately, all civil and criminal petit jury selections and jury trials scheduled to commence through June 30, 2020, before any district or magistrate judge in any courthouse in the District of Maryland are postponed and continued. Some civil jury trials may commence on or after July 1, 2020, and some criminal jury trials may commence on or after August 1, 2020, in the discretion of individual judges of this Court. With the exception of the jury trials identified above, all civil and criminal hearings, trials, and proceedings in the U.S. district Court for the District of Maryland shall continue as presently scheduled, unless otherwise ordered by the presiding judge. To the extent the parties jointly believe an existing schedule needs to be adjusted, they should submit their proposal to the presiding judge in writing. Due to the unavailability of a grand jury in this district, the 30-day time period for filing an indictment or an information is tolled as to each defendant during the time period March 16 through July 31, 2020.

Per Order 2020-11, all bankruptcy hearings, trials, and proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland currently scheduled to commence after June 5, 2020, shall continue as presently scheduled, unless otherwise ordered or rescheduled by the presiding judge. To the extent the parties jointly believe an existing schedule needs to be adjusted, they should submit their proposal to the presiding judge in writing. Furthermore, the provision of Order 2020-07, extending all filing deadlines originally set to fall between March 16, 2020 and June 5, 2020 by eighty-four (84) days, remains in effect without further extension, unless otherwise ordered by the presiding judge in an individual case or by administrative order of the Bankruptcy Court. If counsel is unable to meet a filing deadline while remaining in full compliance with orders and public health guidance relating to COVID-19, counsel should seek an extension of time from the presiding judge. Existing discovery deadlines falling after June 5, 2020 will be enforced, unless otherwise extended by the presiding judge. In the District Court, civil discovery deadlines and procedures are addressed by separate order.

Per Order 2020-11, although physical access to the courthouses presently remains restricted, the court remains open for all filings and for proceedings that may occur by audio and/or video teleconference. The scheduling of naturalization and admission ceremonies and Central Violations Bureau proceedings will be addressed by separate order.

Per Order 2020-11, the Order does not toll any applicable statute of limitations. Further orders addressing court operations under the exigent circumstances created by COVID-19 will be entered as circumstances warrant. Standing Order 2020-07 is superseded by Order 2020-11, effective June 6.

Per the Updated Order 20-146 dated June 17, the court’s criteria for entering Phase Two have been satisfied, and the court is now prepared to enter Phase Two of its recovery process. Most proceedings will continue to be conducted virtually. The court may begin to schedule certain petit jury proceedings, with some restrictions, and grand jury proceedings will likely resume on a limited basis. Court offices will remain closed to the public, but members of the public may be admitted to the courthouses for the limited purpose of observing in-court proceedings. Consistent with Order 2020-10, all persons seeking entry to, or occupying, courthouses in this District must wear a face covering or masks at all times. All individuals present in the courthouses for any reason should continue to maintain at least six feet of physical distance from others. Elevators will remain limited to one occupant at a time. The court will proceed into Phase Two, effective at 8:30 a.m. on June 22, 2020. The court will being to assess gating criteria for entry into Phase Three, in which the court will further expand operations.

Per Amended Order 2020-16, dated September 2, a maximum of ten spectators may be physically present to observe any in-court proceeding in this District, unless otherwise ordered by the presiding judge. Each party shall be permitted to designate no more than four such persons to be physically present in the courtroom. The two final seats shall be reserved for credentialed members of the press on a first-come, first-served basis, and if no members of the press are in attendance, to any member of the public on a first-come, first-served basis. All persons not permitted into the courtroom will be able to listen to any public in-court proceeding by dialing into a public telephone conference line available on the Court’s website. With respect to jury trials, because of severely limited space no members of the public or press will be permitted into the courtroom but will instead have the option of observing the proceedings on closed-circuit television from a separate courtroom or by dialing into the public telephone conference line. The order will remain in place temporarily until it is determined to be safe to rescind it.

Beginning February 4, 2022, and through February 14, 2022, the following types of proceedings are suspended: (1) in-person criminal proceedings involving a detained defendant (except where required by law) and (2) jury trials (except for civil proceedings in the Worcester or Springfield courthouses that have been specifically approved by the Court). Other proceedings – including, for example, changes of plea or sentencings where the defendant is not detained, or civil bench trials – may go forward in person at the discretion of the individual judicial officer.

On December 6, 2021, the District Court Clerk’s Office for the District of Massachusetts public counters will return to normal business hours. The public counter hours in Boston, Worcester, and Springfield will be 8:30AM to 4:30PM.

Per Orders 21-9 and 21-8, all persons entering the Courthouse and in the public spaces of the Courthouse, other than the courtrooms, shall wear masks covering their nose and mouth.

Orders 21-15 and 21-16 govern teleconferencing for criminal matters and felony pleas and sentencing, as authorized by the CARES Act, and will be in effect for 90 days from December 18, 2021.

In March 2021, the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts will resume jury trials and in-person proceedings. The listing of current trials and court hearings is available on the court’s electronic Court List. On days when there is an in-person hearing or trial, the public counter will be open for visitor access at the federal courthouses in Springfield, Worcester, and Boston.

Per Order 20-35, all persons entering the Courthouse and in the public spaces of the Courthouse, including the courtrooms, shall wear masks covering their nose and mouth. The only exceptions to that requirement are (a) for a witness testifying under oath, who will testify behind a clear acrylic barrier, or (b) where a judicial officer has made a specific temporary exception that the interest of justice, balanced against the public-health risk, requires such action for reasons provided on the record. All visitors entering the Courthouse (including attorneys, witnesses, parties, or members of the general public) must conduct a health self-assessment in advance of entry.

A person may not enter the Courthouse if he or she: (a) has a diagnosis of COVID-19;

(b) is experiencing any of the symptoms of COVID-19 identified in the health self-assessment; (c) has been ordered by a public-health authority or medical professional to isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19; or (d) to his or her knowledge, has been in “close contact” with someone with COVID-19.For these purposes, “close contact” is defined as “being within 6 feet of for at least 10-15 minutes while symptomatic or within 48 hours before symptom onset.”

On September 29, 2020, the District Court Clerk’s Office for the District of

Massachusetts will reopen our public counters. While the Clerk’s Office of the U.S.

District Court in each building remains open during regular business hours, the public

Counters will open at 9 a.m. and close at 2 p.m. for in-person inquiries. Visitors to the

Public counter must comply with occupancy and social distancing requirements.

General Order 20-31 supplants and modifies Orders 20-2, 20-13, and 20-21 to the extent the orders concern non-jury proceedings. The Court will begin to conduct in-person non-jury proceedings under limited circumstances: where (1) further delay may harm the interests of justice and (2) the law does not permit video proceedings or the requisite consents cannot be obtained. All participants in such proceedings appearing in person must conduct a health self-assessment.

Per the Public Notice dated July 7, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts approved Emergency Amendments to the Jury Plan. The amendments are effective as of June 22, and will remain in effect until cancelled by the court. The Clerk, upon individual request, and in consultation with the district judge assigned as the jury liaison, shall excuse the following classes of persons: (i) persons who have been diagnosed with, or tested positive for, COVID-19 (unless such a person has clinically recovered from the disease and has not had any symptoms for at least two weeks); (ii) persons who have one or more symptoms of COVID-19, as defined by the CDC; (iii) persons residing with, or directly caring for, persons identified in (i) and (ii); (iv) persons who may be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, as defined by the CDC; (v) persons residing in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, assisted-care facilities, or veterans’ homes, and employees of such facilities; and (vi) physicians, nurses, physician’s assistants, and other health-care providers having direct contact with patients who have COVID-19. The Clerk may pose questions concerning health-related matters in addition to those imposed by the Jury Act, 28 U.S.C. §1861 et seq., when summoning prospective jurors. The Clerk may also pose follow-up or monitoring questions to ensure accurate information by the time of empanelment. Nothing in this paragraph shall be interpreted to infringe on the authority of any judge presiding in a jury trial to excuse a juror for cause.

Per the Public Notice dated July 7, the Clerk shall report to the Chief Judge, on a monthly basis, the demographic data of prospective jurors excused under the provisions of this amendment, including data concerning the specific reason they were excused. If the operation has a significant impact on the ability of the Court to empanel juries representing a fair cross-section of the community, the Chief Judge, with the concurrence of the Court, may impose reasonable limits on its operation, consistent with the need to protect public health and safety. These provisions shall take effect immediately, and shall continue until the Chief Judge, with the concurrence of the Court, has determined that they are not necessary to protect public health and safety.

Per the Standing Order dated June 1, effective immediately, all persons using any public entrance of the Donohue Federal Building, or present in any public or common space of the courthouse, shall be required to wear a suitable mask or face covering in order to reduce the risk of the spread of the coronavirus. This Order applies to all employees of agencies and court units within the courthouse, and to attorneys, parties, witnesses, jurors, vendors, contractors, and other members of the public. Court security staff is authorized to enforce this Order, and to deny entry to or remove any non-compliant person. Each agency or court unit shall make its own determination as to whether masks or face coverings shall be required within their own non-public working spaces. Individual judicial officers may modify the requirements of this Order within the courtroom during a legal proceeding as justice may require.

Pursuant to General Order 20-19 (amending Orders 20-5 and 20-15), effective May 7, Magistrate Judges and Senior Judges in the District of Massachusetts may schedule and conduct mediations in civil proceedings in accordance with the normal practices of the Court. All such mediations shall occur only by video or telephone conference.

Pursuant to General Order 20-1, no one may access the courthouse who has traveled to a country with a CDC level two or level three travel advisory had contact with such travelers, or are displaying symptoms. This order will be implemented district-wide.

All attorney admission ceremonies are postponed until further notice.

For more information regarding criminal and civil proceedings before the court, call (617) 748-9152 or email media@mad.uscourts.gov.

Per Order 21-AO-023, CARES Act authorizations will remain in effect until December 21, 2021, unless terminated earlier by order of this Court.

The Theodore Levin U.S. Courthouse in Detroit was closed to the public March 25 and will remain close pending additional information.

The court has postponed all civil and criminal matters scheduled for in-court appearance before any district or magistrate judge. Case-by-case exceptions to the postponements may be ordered for non-jury matters at the discretion of the court after consultation with counsel. Criminal matters before magistrate judges shall continue to take place, and the order does not affect the court’s consideration of civil or criminal motions that can be resolved without oral argument or handled by telephone or videoconference.

Per Administrative Order 20-AO-034, effective immediately, grand jury proceedings in the Eastern District of Michigan are hereby resumed on a limited basis. All other provisions established in 20-AO-021 shall remain in effect until rescinded by the Court.

All future misdemeanor calls are postponed.

The court has restricted courthouse access for anyone who has symptoms, has been in close proximity to someone diagnosed or quarantined, or who has traveled to high-risk countries.

Per 20-AO-036, pro se filings may continue to be made by mail or by email to the Court by the following temporary procedures. First, Rule 3(d) of the Rules Governing §2255 Proceedings are extended to Pro Se Filers. If filing by mail, the postmark stamped on the envelope shall be the filing date. The Mailbox Rule will only apply to documents mailed to the following address:

Clerk’s Office

United States District Court

Theodore Levin US Courthouse

231 W. Lafayette Blvd.

Detroit, MI 48226

Second, filings from pro se litigants will be accepted temporarily by email. Documents must be submitted using the Pro Se Electronic Document Program Upload Program available on the Court’s Internet Website: http://www.mied.uscourts.gov. The filing date will be the date received by the Clerk’s Office. Third, documents submitted for filing by U.S. Postal Service mail or email to the Court must still be served on all parties in a case as required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 5.

Order 20-AO-038 outlines basic plan for the first phase to return the Court to normal operations. During the first phase, employees will return to the Court’s physical facilities gradually and in staggered shifts. Once the return process is in place and the Court is satisfied that in-person business can be conducted without seriously jeopardizing public health and safety, the Court will release its plan for reopening its physical facilities to the public. Throughout all phases of recovering, the Court will institute measures to protect those individuals at higher risk of complications should they contract COVID-10. Reasonable accommodations will be provided wherever possible for individuals and employees who: 1) are vulnerable individuals; 2) are caring for vulnerable individuals in their households; 3) rely solely on public transportation; or 4) have child care complications due to the closure of schools or daycare centers because of COVID-19.

Per Order 20-AO-038 (Revised), all courthouses of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan shall remain closed to the public until further order of the Court Only persons having official business authorized by this Administrative Order or by the Chief Judge (or a judicial officer to whom a particular case is assigned after consultation with the Chief Judge), may enter courthouse property. This restriction applies to all divisional locations. All mass public gatherings are suspended, including, but not limited to, naturalization ceremonies, group tours and visits, moot courts and mock trials, bar group meetings, and seminars. During this phase, naturalization ceremonies will be held at the U.S. Customs and Immigration Services building in Detroit. The use of face masks, cloth face coverings, or approved face shields is required for all individuals in a courthouse, unless otherwise directed by the Court or a courthouse official designated by the Chief Judge. The face covering must completely cover the wearer’s nose and mouth at all times. All visitors to the courthouses will be subject to questionnaire screenings and temperature checks at the courthouse entrances and will be denied admittance if they have a temperature in excess of 100.4º or do not pass a screening. Common areas where employees or the public congregate to interact will be closed. Physical distancing will be enforced in other public or common areas such as jury assembly, court entrances, intake, lobbies and reception areas by visible means to demark six-foot distances where practical. Elevator use is restricted to one occupant(s). Conference rooms may not be used unless social distancing measures are observed.

Per Order 20-AO-038 (Revised), criminal jury trials will commence on a date to be announced, and then only for critical criminal trials. Grand jury proceedings will proceed only when necessary and with the approval of the Chief Judge to minimize and ameliorate the transmission of COVID-19. Jury trials will commence on a date to be announced, but no earlier than the month of November 2020. In-court bench trials will commence on a date to be announced, but no earlier than the date the courthouse at the place of holding court is open to the public. Videoconferences and teleconferences will continue to be used for all oral arguments, pretrial conferences, and settlement conferences until it is determined that individuals may safely enter the building and appear in person. Public access to public/in-court proceedings will remain available. When in-person court proceedings are permitted, they will be limited to 10 people (including court staff), and in-person chambers proceedings will be limited to the number of people that permits the observance of the physical distancing requirement of six feet in all instances.

Per the Public Notice updated on May 15, the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan is continuously monitoring information and advice from the Administrative Offices of U.S. Courts, the Centers for Disease Control, and public health officials. As provided in Administrative Order No. 20-MS-037, beginning Monday, May 18, 2020, all Court facilities in the District will be open during regular business hours. Persons who are sick, who are experiencing fever, cough or shortness of breath, or who have had contact with a confirmed COVID-19 positive person within the past 14 days should not enter the building. Although regular in-person hearings can and will be begin again on May 18, each Judicial officer continues to make case specific assessments regarding what matters can or should be postponed, or handled by phone, video-conference, or in other ways short of in-person hearings. Administrative Order 20-MS-030 remains in effect, as an option for certain matters.

The District Court will continue to make liberal use of non-traditional work strategies. Flu season health protocols are being regularly discussed and vigorously enforced with staff. The Court will also recommend use of appropriate face-coverings for persons inside a Court facility and necessarily in close proximity to others. Members of the public with business inside a Court facility must provide their own face coverings.

Administrative Order No. 20-MS-037 outlines the limited commencement of a phased-in reopening of court facilities. This limited access will by appointment only.

Each Judge continues to make case specific assessments regarding what can be postponed, or handled by phone, video-conference or in other ways short of in person hearings. The goal is to deliver justice without compromising health and safety. Recent experience with video-conferencing has been good, and the Court hopes to conduct as much business as possible using technology to avoid the need for in person appearances.  

The court authorizes the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for all events listed in Section 15002 of the CARES Act. Authorization under the act is extended through January 8, 2022.

Under the CARES Act review, the court authorized judges to use video conferencing and when not available telephonic when video conferencing is not available under various criminal case events listed in the order. The CARES Act is authorized to continue until March 21, 2022.

The Court will continue to hold criminal proceedings using videoconferencing, or telephone conferencing if videoconferencing is not reasonably available when the defendant consents to appearing at the proceeding remotely. Unless otherwise authorized by law, only the criminal proceedings outlined in General Order No. 29 may be conducted by videoconference, or telephone conference if videoconferencing is not reasonably available. The Court encourages the use of videoconferencing for criminal proceedings.

Criminal and civil jury and bench trials will resume starting on May 3, 2021. All jury trials must be conducted with appropriate safeguards, including social distancing and personal protective equipment.

The Clerk’s Office remains will reopen on May 3 during normal business hours.

Grand jury proceedings may only proceed after May 14, 2020 if safeguards are put into place. These may include appropriate social distancing and appearance by video conference.

The court is restricting access and prohibiting anyone who has visited high-risk countries within the past two weeks, has had contact with someone who has been in those countries, has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or has been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed, or has been asked to self-quarantine.

On June 24, 2020, General Order No. 15 updated guidance on remote access to public court hearings

All proceedings, civil and criminal, scheduled or typically undertaken in person should be continued or conducted by video or telephone conference to every extent possible. The court will conduct all bankruptcy hearings telephonically for which it is possible. Any attorney or party must notify the Court if anyone scheduled to appear, or who has recently appeared, has been in contact with anyone infected with COVID-19. If such notice given, the parties and the Court may confer reading whether videoconferencing, an alternative witness, counsel, or source, or a delay may be appropriate.

Attorneys, parties, witnesses, and the general public must wear face coverings when: entering any of the buildings; in common areas, including but not limited to elevators, hallways, stairwells, and restrooms; and in courtrooms.

The CARES Act is extended through December 27, 2021.

Effective December 1, the court will no longer impose a global stay of all civil jury trials and criminal jury trials due to the pandemic. All other proceedings may proceed at the direction of the presiding judge.

This does not affect any other deadlines in those cases unless the presiding judge determines otherwise. The presiding judge shall have the sole discretion to determine whether a criminal matter is essential. Grand Juries may continue within the outlined limitations. All other in-court hearings and proceedings may go forward at the presiding judge’s discretion, including proceedings that involve the attendance of a detainee. The Court continues to encourage the use of video conferencing in civil and criminal proceedings where appropriate.

For all matters set for in-court proceedings and all bankruptcy matters, counsel must notify the judge and opposing counsel if anyone scheduled to attend has recently traveled abroad or to a location in the US with known outbreak, has symptoms or have been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, would be required to travel by air, or there is any other reason for concern of exposure. Anyone entering the courthouse must wear masks.

Judges are encouraged to use videoconference and teleconferencing to the extent possible to avoid unnecessary disruption in the cases. The CARES Act is reauthorized, allowing the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonable available for all events listed in Section 15002 of the Act. The Act is authorized until July 16, 2021.

All individuals entering courthouses in the district, including members of the public, litigants, attorneys, and court personnel, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a face mask, face shield or other face covering while in public areas of each building. Each presiding judge retains the authority to dispense with these requirements in his or her chambers, courtroom, and adjoining areas as circumstances may warrant.

Jury trials may commence in any division of the district, subject to restrictions to public health or social distancing measure for jurors, parties, witnesses, public, and court staff, as determined by this court.

In the Limbaugh Courthouse, if not vaccinated, wear a mask or face covering over their nose and mouth, and observe social distancing standards (6-foot radius per person), when in any common area. Vaccinated persons shall not be required to wear a mask and do not have to observe social distancing standards when in any common area.

In the Eagleton Courthouse, for all persons, wear a mask or face covering over their nose and mouth, and observe social distancing standards (6-foot radius per person), when in any common area.

An agency head, a judge presiding in a case, or a designee of the agency head or judge, may create their own standards regarding social distancing and masking status of vaccinated persons within any portion of their designated courthouse space, or otherwise regulate the spacing and flow of persons, as deemed necessary by the judge or agency without further Order of this Court.

All proceedings are in-person unless otherwise ordered by the judge presiding in the case, in a manner consistent with this Order.

Under the CARES Act review, the court authorized judges to use video conferencing, and when video conferencing is not available, telephonic conferencing for various criminal case events listed in the order. The CARES Act is extended through March 2, 2022.

Per the July 30, 2021 order, in order to be admitted beyond the main lobby of the courthouses, all persons must: (a) Verify upon request to a Court Security Officer that they have: (i) not been asked to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital or health agency within the last ten days; (ii) not been diagnosed with, or have had contact with, anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last ten days, except that vaccinated persons may still be allowed entry even if they have had contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 provided they do not have the symptoms listed in subparagraph iii below; and (iii) no fever, cough, or shortness of breath. For purposes of building entry, fever may be monitored by automated thermometers at entries to the courthouses. Persons may be admitted if their temperature is not at or above 100 degrees on the automated thermometer; and (b) wear a mask or face covering over their nose and mouth, and observe social distancing standards (6-foot radius per person), when in any common area. An agency head, a judge presiding in a case, or a designee of the agency head or judge, may create their own standards regarding social distancing and masking status of vaccinated persons within any portion of their designated courthouse space, or otherwise regulate the spacing and flow of persons, as deemed necessary by the judge or agency without further Order of the Court

All persons within the courthouse are to wear a mask or face covering when in the common or public areas of the courthouse. The requirement to wear masks in the courtrooms and during court proceedings will be determined by the presiding judicial officer.

All civil and criminal trials and jury selections, all trial specific deadlines in criminal cases, and all grand jury proceedings scheduled to commence between February 1, 2021 and May 3, 2021 are continued. All cases set on the February 8 and March 22, 2021 Joint Criminal Jury Trial Dockets, where no motion for continuance is filed by the current trial setting, will be CONTINUED to the Joint Criminal Jury Trial Docket of March 22, 2021. Certain criminal matters will continue in the ordinary course. All non-emergency criminal and civil hearings are continued until March 22, 2021. Individual judges may continue to hold such conferences, and bench trial at their discretion and this order does not affect the Court’s consideration of criminal or civil motions that can be resolved without oral argument. All bankruptcy hearing and trials through January 4, 2021will be conducted by telephone or continued based on the discretion of the Judge.

Any person, employee, or visitor to the courthouse is required to wear a mask or face covering when in common or public areas of the courthouse.

Under the CARES Act review, the court authorized judges to use video conferencing, and when video conferencing is not available, telephonic conferencing for various criminal case events listed in the order. The CARES Act is extended through March 23, 2022.

The March 18 order suspends all required in-person ADR and allows for ADR to take place by any remote means agreed upon by the parties. The order allows parties to apply for relief to request continuances when necessary give the national response to COVID-19.

All individuals required to participate in mediation (including the mediator, counsel, clients, representatives, adjusters, etc.) will instead appear by telephone, videoconference, FaceTime, Skype or other live and interactive means.

Face coverings are permitted, but not required, at any federal court facility. Court facility employees and visitors are encouraged to follow all applicable public health guidance. A deputy U.S. marshal or court security officer may direct a person to temporarily lower or remove a mask for purposes of identification or security screening.

All jury trials (criminal and civil) and associated final pretrial conferences through January 25, 2021, are vacated, to be reset by order of the presiding judge. No pending deadlines are vacated except for trial dates and final pretrial conferences. Individual judges may continue to hold non-jury proceedings, as they deem appropriate, on a case-by-case basis. The use of telephonic or video proceedings are encouraged to the extent possible. All grand jury proceedings scheduled through January 25, 2021, are vacated, unless otherwise ordered by the chief judge. The chief judge retains the discretion to convene a grand jury under exigent circumstances upon the motion of the United States Attorney.

The court authorizes the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for all events listed in Section 15002 of the CARES Act. The authorization under the act is extended for an additional 90 days until December 14, 2022.

The following individuals will be permitted to enter the courthouse: members of the public with court-related business; counsel of record appearing for a calendared matter and any associated litigants, investigators or employees thereof; family members of a criminal defendant appearing before the court; contract court interpreters; contract court reporters; witnesses; and members of the press. A limited number of employees will report to the courthouse on any given day. All other employees will continue to work remotely. Civil and criminal hearings will proceed remotely or in person, depending on judicial preference, provided the current social distancing requirements can be met. Each person entering the courthouse must wear a face covering while in any public or common area of the building.

Continuance of Creditor’s Meetings will be suspended. Scheduled section 341 meetings will be continued but not held the courthouses. They will be conducted telephonically or by video conference.

All civil and criminal matters including jury trials presently scheduled for in-court appearance before any district, magistrate, or bankruptcy judge set to begin on or before January 31, 2021 are continued until further notice. Other in-court hearings shall remain scheduled unless continued, on a case-by-case basis, by the district, magistrate, or bankruptcy judge. As provided by General Order 2020-03, the parties shall promptly notify one another and the Court if they have cause to believe that any such hearing cannot be held in a manner consistent with public health guidelines.

Under General Order 2020-07, the court authorized judges to use video conferencing, and when video conferencing is not available, telephonic conferencing for various criminal case events listed in the order. The authorization is extended through March 10, 2022

Due to the unavailability of a grand jury, the 30-day time period for filing an indictment or information is tolled. Case progression deadlines in civil cases remain provisionally set, pending any case-specific adjustments to be made on motion from the parties or the court’s own motion.

Per General Order 2021-07, all persons in a federal courthouse in Nebraska, including fully vaccinated persons, shall wear a face covering in public spaces in the courthouse when community transmission is substantial or high based on the CDC COVID Data Tracker. Persons who are not fully vaccinated in a federal courthouse in Nebraska shall continue to wear a face covering in public spaces in the courthouse regardless of the level of community transmission.

Per the Fourth Amended Temporary Order 2020-03, jury trials may resume on March 8, 2021, subject to the presiding judge’s discretion.

For members of the public who were recently at a courthouse in the District of Nevada and subsequently test positive for COVID-19, please review and follow this protocol.

Courthouse entrance protocols remain in effect. Therefore, persons who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms, have had contact with COVID-19 positive individuals, or have symptoms of COVID-19 are not permitted to enter the Courthouses. Members of the public are encouraged, but not required, to wear face coverings during security screening and while they are in public areas of the Courthouses.

The public terminals located inside the intake areas at the Las Vegas and Reno courthouses are currently not available for records searches. Court records are available via PACER which provide electronic public access to court records. Additional information is available at https://www.pacer.gov. If you have additional questions about accessing court records, please call 702-464-5400 for the Clerk’s Office in Las Vegas and 775-686-5800 for the Clerk’s Office in Reno.

Public access to the Clerk’s Office will continue to be limited to ensure effective social distancing for the protection of employees and the public. The Intake window in the Clerk’s Office will continue to be closed to the public. Requirements for submitting paper copies for chambers pursuant to LR IC 2-2(g) is suspended while access to the Clerk’s Office is limited pursuant to this Order. However, each presiding judge may direct a party to submit courtesy copies directly to their chambers.

Per the Notice Regarding Temporary Suspension of Local Rule IC 2-1(c), the court has agreed to accept documents submitted for filing by email in further response to the challenges presented by COVID-19. Please see the Notice for requirements and a form to consent to receive notification of orders, notices, and other documents that are filed in your case by email.

Order 2020-05 authorizes the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for all events listed in Section 15002 of the CARES Act.

All naturalizations ceremonies are postponed.

Per Amended Order 2020-08, during court proceedings, including Grand Jury proceedings, everyone must wear a face covering unless the presiding judge orders otherwise. All employees of the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada must wear face coverings during security screening and while they are in public areas of the Courthouses. Employees who have contact with members of the public outside of court proceedings as described above must wear face coverings during their interactions. The Court will provide face coverings for employees. Members of the public and employees of other tenants in the Courthouses must wear face coverings during security screening and while they are in public areas of the Courthouses. The face covering requirements established in this order do not apply to individuals who cannot wear a face covering due to a medical condition. Anyone who attempts to enter a Courthouse in violation of this Order will be denied entry.

The Rudman Courthouse or the Cleveland Federal Building restricts those you may enter. All entering the courthouse who are not fully vaccinated must wear a facemask or covering. The court will consider requests by the United States Attorney to convene the grand jury. The presiding judge has the discretion to reschedule those hearings to occur by teleconference, video conference, or in-court hearing. General Order 20-7 outlines the procedures for any out-of-court videoconference and telephonic hearings scheduled in accordance with General Order 20-5.

All civil jury trials and bench trials scheduled to occur after September 1, 2021, shall proceed as scheduled. Civil jury trials and bench trials (and accompanying final pretrial conferences) scheduled to occur prior to September 1, 2021, shall proceed as determined by the presiding judge. All in-person court sponsored/conducted mediations scheduled to occur after September 1, 2021 shall proceed as scheduled. Magistrate Judge Johnstone, however, is presently available to conduct mediations upon request by video conference. All requests for Magistrate Johnstone to mediate a case should be made to the presiding judge.

The presiding judge has the discretion to schedule a criminal hearing to occur by teleconference/videoconference with defendant’s consent, or by an in-court hearing at the Rudman Courthouse as safety and health considerations allow. All in-court hearings will be scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The procedures and protocols for those hearings are set forth in Standing Order ADM-1, 20-27.

Under Administrative Order 20-14, the court authorized judges to use video conferencing, and when video conferencing is not available, telephonic conferencing for various criminal case events listed in the order. This authorization under the CARES Act has been extended until March 11, 2022.

Attorneys and pro se parties may continue to file documents with the court electronically through CM/ECF, or in paper by using the outside filing depository behind the Cleveland Federal Building.

The court will conduct in-court proceedings on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Attendance at hearings will be limited to no more than 10 people and each hearing will be video broadcast into an overflow courtroom where no more than 10 members of the public or media can be present.

The court has restricted courthouse access for those with symptoms, who have been in close proximity to someone diagnosed or quarantined, or who have traveled to high-risk countries. Counsel should inform the court and advise designated attendees that they may not attend the hearing if they have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days, have had contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days, have COVID-19 symptoms, are under an order to self –quarantine, or have been in contact with anyone from high risk countries. All persons are to wear a mask or face covering their noses and mouths.

Per Standing Order 2021-11, except as otherwise provided, all in-person judicial proceedings shall be suspended through January 31, 2022, and judicial proceedings shall be conducted via video and teleconference whenever possible. All civil and criminal jury selections and jury trials shall also be continued through January 31, 2022.

Effective September 20, 2021, visitors to the courthouse, who are not excepted persons, will be granted entry into Court facilities only upon providing proof that they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Visitors who are not excepted persons, and who fail to provide proof of full vaccination, including those who decline to disclose their vaccination status, will be granted entry only upon presenting proof of a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to seeking entry, and proof of identification. All persons may deposit and date-stamp papers in drop boxes at each Courthouse entrance, Monday through Friday, during the hours posted on the Court’s website. All of the Court’s safety protocols established by earlier Standing Orders remain in place. Consenting parties in a civil jury trial may move before the presiding judicial officer to request that all sitting jurors be fully vaccinated.

The United States District Court for the District of New Jersey will enter Phase IV of the COVID-19 Recovery Plan on May 19, 2021. Any person who desires entrance to the Courthouse must wear a mask or face covering, adhere to social distancing, abide by all health and hygiene signage throughout the building and may be subject to thermal temperature scanning.

Pursuant to Updated Amended Standing Order 2021-04, dated September 3, 2021, no more than one jury selection, either civil or criminal, shall occur in each vicinage of the court at one time. Multiple, simultaneous jury trials may be conducted in each of the court’s vicinages, but the number of simultaneous criminal jury trials involving detainees in each vicinage shall be limited by the capacity of the United States Marshals Service to manage the detainees, taking into consideration the number of cells available in the vicinage and the necessity of limiting each cell to one detainee, due to the ongoing

COVID-19 pandemic. Pursuant to the court’s Amended Standing Order 2021-02, until further order of the court, judicial proceedings, in both criminal and civil matters, shall continue to be conducted via video and teleconference whenever possible, to the extent consistent with the Second Extension of Standing Order 2021-03 (“In Re: Video Conferencing and Teleconferencing for Criminal Proceedings Under the CARES Act”). Except as otherwise provided in the order, the provisions of Amended Standing Order

2021-04 shall remain in full force and effect.

Anyone entering the court will be questioned to determine whether they have symptoms such as a cough, fever, or shortness of breath, have traveled outside the United States in the last thirty dates, or have been in contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19. If the answer to any question is “yes,” access will not be permitted.

All civil and criminal jury trials scheduled to commence on or before April 10, 2020 are continued pending further Order. All trial-specific deadlines in criminal cases scheduled to begin before April 10, 2020 are continued pending further order of the Court. All grand jury proceedings are continued pending further order. The 30-day time period for filing an indictment is tolled as to each defendant until Order 20-MC-00004-9 terminates.

Per Order 2022-02, dated January 27, all provisions of Administrative Order 2020-26, as amended by Administrative Orders 2020-26-1, 2021-04, and 2021-04-1, shall remain in effect through February 28, 2022.

Per Order 2021-05-3, dated December 16, CARES Act authorization is extended 90 days from December 18, 2021. Felony pleas under Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and felony sentencings under Rule 32 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure should continue to be held remotely to the maximum extent possible.

Per Order 2021-05-1, the Court will continue to conduct proceedings remotely, by videoconference or teleconference, except as allowed by Administrative Order 2020-26, as amended by Administrative Orders 2020-26-1, 2021-04, and 2021-04-1.

Per Order 2020-26, all criminal and civil jury selections and trials, and all in-person bench trials, are postponed and continued pending further order of the court. All such continued trials will be rescheduled by further order of the court. The selection of all new grand juries may continue unless otherwise directed by further order of the court. All civil proceedings shall be conducted remotely by telephone or video conference.

Per Order 2020-22, the following persons shall not enter any of the courthouses in the Eastern District of New York: 1) Persons who have been advised to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital or health agency within the last 14 days; 2) persons who, within the last 14 days, have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or told to presume they have COVID-10 by a health professional; 3) persons who have had close contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or told to presume they have COVID-19 by a health professional, unless the diagnoses was more than 14 days ago and the person diagnosed has been symptom-free for the past 72 hours; 4) persons who have had, within the past 14 days, cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, or extreme fatigue, unless the symptoms are attributable to another known condition; 5) persons who reside with someone who, within the last 14 days, has had cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, or extreme fatigue, unless the symptoms are attributable to another known condition; 6) persons who have returned within the past 14 days from international travel, or a cruise ship or river voyage; 7) persons who have returned within the past 14 days from travel to a state that has a significant degree of community-wide spread of COVID-19 that meets the criteria for required quarantine in New York State; and 8) persons who have been released from a federal, state or local jail, prison or other detention facility within the last 14 days, except those who are reporting to be fit with a location monitoring device.

Per Order 2020-22, while in the public areas of the courthouses, including the lobby, hallways, elevators, courtrooms, public counters, and restrooms, all persons must comply with the following rules. You must wear a face covering or mask that must completely conceal the wearer’s nose and mouth at all times. Court security personnel will have masks available for anyone appearing for court business without a mask. You must adhere to safe social distancing rules, by standing or sitting at least six feet away from other individuals. You must abide by markings on floors and benches indicating where you may stand or sit. If you are standing in line, you must keep six feet away from the person in front of you and behind you, unless you are taking care of a small child or assisting someone with special needs. You must abide by all health and hygiene signage throughout the courthouses, including signage regarding masks, social distancing, and occupancy restrictions. Anyone who fails or refuses to abide by any provision of this Order will be denied entry to the courthouse, and/or required to immediately leave the courthouse. These restrictions will remain in place until further Order of the Court.

Per Order 2020-20, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York will remain open, but with limited operations in both Brooklyn and Central Islip to support essential functions in criminal and civil matters, and in a manner to ensure the safety, healthy, and welfare of the public and court staff, and to promote the precautions set forth in both national and state orders. All civil and criminal petit jury selections and jury trials, and all new grand jury selections, scheduled before September 14, 2020, are continued pending further Order of the Court. Compliance with all trial-specific deadlines in civil and criminal cases shall be at the discretion of the assigned judges. Individual judges presiding over civil and criminal proceedings may take such actions consistent with this Order as may be lawful and appropriate. No in-person bench trials or evidentiary hearings may be scheduled without consultation with the Chief Judge. All Administrative Orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic shall continue in force and effect by their terms.

Per Order 2020-19-1, Order 2020-12 is hereby amended to further suspend, in all cases filed on or after March 18, 2020 and in which, under normal circumstances, the Court would, pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 4(c), appoint the U.S. Marshal or a deputy marshal to make service, any requirement that the Marshal accomplish service nunc pro tunc from June 15, 2020 until further order of the Court. From April 27, 2020 until further order of the Court stating otherwise, is excluded from the 90-day period to accomplish service, pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 4(m), nunc pro tunc from June 15, 2020.

Video conferencing is available as detailed in Order 2020-13 and 2020-13-1.

Per Order 2020-14, the Wardens of MDC Brooklyn, MCC New York, and QDF will provide to the court, in writing, twice weekly, a status report concerning the incidence of infection of COVID-19 at each facility and the measures undertaken to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 within each facility.

Per General Order No. 61 (Revised August 6), all persons, including those fully vaccinated individuals entering any United States Courthouse in the Northern District of New York are required to wear a mask in common areas of the courthouse.

Per Revised Order No. 61, policies regarding mask covering and social distancing within the court unit shall be determined by presiding judicial officer.

Per Revised General Order #58, dated May 12, all civil jury selections and jury trials scheduled to commence now through May 15, 2021 before any district or magistrate judge in any courthouse in the Northern District of New York are continued pending further order of the court. All criminal jury selections and jury trials scheduled to commence now through May 15, 2021 before any district or magistrate judge in any courthouse in the Northern District of New York are continued pending further order of the court, subject to a review of the COVID-19 infection rates

Revised General Order No. 58 concerns General Order No. 63, dated April 29, 2021, applies to protocols for remote access to judicial proceedings.

The Cares Act is authorized to continue through December 27, 2021.

The court is restricting courthouse access for those who have been diagnosed with or have had contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, have been asked to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital or health agency, or reside or have had close contact with someone who has had close contact with someone who has been asked to self-quarantine.

The court is allowing, until further notice, the filing of interim vouchers for compensation.

Per General Order #61, the following persons shall not enter any United States Courthouse in the Northern District of New York: (1) persons not wearing a mask or face covering; (2) persons who have been asked to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital, or health agency; (3) persons who have been diagnosed with, or have had contact with, anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19; or (4) persons with fever, cough or shortness of breath. Visitors to the Court, including vendors, contractors, litigants, attorneys, and other members of the public, shall be required to wear a mask or a face covering when in the common or public areas of the courthouse. The requirement to wear facial masks/coverings in internal space will be determined by each agency or court unit. Visitors shall remain in designated public areas and failure to abide by these restrictions may result in their expulsion from the facility. Court security staff is authorized to enforce the above listed requirements and deny entry to or expel non-complying individuals.

The Seventh Amended Standing Order, effective December 24, 2021, details the proceedings for which use of video teleconferencing, or telephone conferencing if video teleconferencing is not reasonably available, is authorized - with the consent of the defendant, or juvenile, after consultation with counsel.

Per the Fourth Amended Standing Order, effective January 1, 2022 through March 31, 2022, Jurors and Trial Participants (as defined in the Order) are authorized, notwithstanding any other Local Rule of this court, to bring into the courthouse one cellular telephone (the “Device”).

Effective Monday, November 1, 2021, there is no longer public access by telephone for in-court criminal proceedings, including trials. To ensure compliance with the First Amendment and common law rights of access to judicial proceedings, however, the Court may continue to provide public access by telephone to all criminal proceedings held remotely pursuant to the CARES Act, on a case-by-case basis. Remote public access for in-court civil proceedings is still authorized and may be provided on a case-by-case basis.

Per the Third Amended Standing Order, effective October 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021, prospective jurors shall remain inside the courthouse until the Jury Administrator indicates their continued attendance for the day is no longer required. Jurors and Trial Participants are authorized, notwithstanding any other Local Rule of this court, to bring into the courthouse one cellular telephone.

The Ninth Amended Standing Order, dated August 6, updates guidance for entry to courthouses and notes that all persons must wear a mask in all public areas of the courthouse.

Effective June 14, 2021, in-person presentments will resume.

Order 2020-21 provides new health and safety protocols for courthouses in New York.

Effective June 14, 2021, in- person presentments will resume. Presentments in Manhattan will take place in courtroom 5A and presentments in White Plains will take place in the assigned Magistrate Judge’s courtroom.

The amended order regarding entry to courthouses supersedes and replaces the Standing Order on Restrictions to Entry to Courthouses that was entered on February 8, 2021, and will remain in place until further notice.

As of January 19, judicial proceedings in civil and criminal matters in the Southern District of New York are being conducted by teleconference or videoconference.

Standing Order 21-MC-0006 sets forth procedures and requirements for filing highly sensitive documents.

Per First Amended Standing Order 20-MC-622, all jury trials scheduled for the period beginning January 19, 2021 and ending February 12, 2021 are adjourned. Bench trials and hearings with witnesses (civil or criminal) should be conducted remotely if at all possible.

Per Order M10-468, effective December 1, 2020, in-person operations in the Southern District of New York will be suspended until January 15, 2021.

Per the 2020 Phased Re-Entry Plan, during Phase IV, we will be at our “new normal.” It will not be quite like the “old normal,” in that some operations will continue to be performed remotely until we are sure that the pandemic is safely behind us. But all functions suspended at the outset of the COVID-19 outbreak will be reinstated, albeit on a limited basis.

During Phase III, jury trials will slowly begin to resume. All jury trials in both Foley Square and White Plains will be conducted in the large courtrooms (Courtrooms 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b in the Moynihan Courthouse; Courtrooms 110 and 318 in the Marshall Courthouse; and Courtrooms 218, 520 and 521 in the Brieant Courthouse.) All incarcerated defendants will be produced to courtrooms for all proceedings.

Per the SDNY Phase II Re-Entry, with respect to the Judicial Proceedings at the Marshall Courthouse, including some emergency matters, will continue to be held remotely and may be held on-site. Grand Jury matters are heard in the Marshall Courthouse and the Brieant Courthouse. Judicial Proceedings at the Brieant Courthouse, including some emergency matters, will continue to be held remotely and may be held on-site. Emergency civil applications may be made in White Plains directly to the assigned judge. During Phase III, jury trials will resume.

TROs must be filed in ECF (unless the application for TRO is being filed in conjunction with a new matter being filed under seal (see further below for instructions to file new matters under seal). TROs filed in ECF in pending matters will be handled by the assigned judge or referred to the Part I judge. Parties are directed to review the assigned judge’s individual practices for instructions on emergency filings and contacting chambers. For TROs filed in ECF contemporaneously with new matters, parties must bring the filing to the attention of the Clerk of Court by calling 212-805-0140 during the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM in order to expedite assignment of a judge. Parties will receive a notice of electronic filing when a judge has been assigned. Once a judge has been assigned, parties are directed to review the assigned judge’s individual practices for instructions on emergency filings and contacting chambers.

Per the SDNY COVID-19 Entry Questionnaire Guide, the media and general public have specific instructions for entering the Courthouse which consists of filling out the form located at https://app.certify.me/SDNYPublic.

Per the Press Release dated July 2, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) will reopen courthouses to the public, going to Phase II of the Phased Re-Entry Plan on July 6, 2020. All individuals seeking to enter an SDNY facility are subject to Standing Order M10-468.

Per the Fourth Amended Standing Order M10-468 and the 2020 Phased Re-Entry Plan, every visitor who comes to one of the courthouses of the SDNY for any reason must pass through the following entry screening process: (1) have their temperature taken – a person with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will not be permitted to enter; (2) answer screening questions about COVID-19 status and possible recent COVID-19 exposure; (3) wear a mask that covers the person’s nose and mouth; (4) apply hand sanitizer, which will be available at all courthouse entrances; (5) place items that need to be screened through an x-ray machine in a single-use plastic bag; and (6) place any electronic device that must be checked in a single-use plastic bag that will be handed to a Court Security Officer. While in the courthouse, all persons must: (1) wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth in all public areas of the courthouse; (2) adhere to social distancing rules; and (3) abide by all health and hygiene signage.

Per Standing Order (M10-468), the Second Amended Standing Order, entered June 12, 2020, was allowed to expire on September 8, 2020 and is not presently being renewed. Applications for Speed Trial Act exclusions of time should be made to the presiding judge in any case in which such exclusions are warranted.

The use of video teleconferencing is authorized as detailed in Order 20-MC-176.

Effective January 10, 2022, the Court has adopted General Order #152, which extends the authorization for judges in this District to conduct certain criminal proceedings by videoconference, or, where videoconference is not reasonably available, by telephone, to April 8, 2022. The other provisions of General Order #148, as modified by General Orders #149 and #151, remain in full force and effect.

Effective August 4, 2021, pursuant to General Order #149, all persons entering either Robert H. Jackson U.S. Courthouse (Buffalo) or Kenneth B. Keating U.S. Courthouse (Rochester) will be required to wear masks in any public space, regardless of vaccination status.  Protocols in each courtroom will be left up to the presiding judicial officer, as will the policies in any chambers or office space of any agency or court unit. 

The Court has adopted General Order #148, which supersedes General Orders #146 and #147.  The Order maintains all existing COVID-related policies with the exception of accepting of grand jury returns by video. 

Per the General Order updating Court Operations and Access (dated September 23, 2020), the following persons shall not enter any U.S. courthouse in the Western District of New York: (1) persons not wearing a mask or face covering; (2) persons who have been asked to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital or health agency; (3) persons who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 who are not fully recovered; (4) persons who have had contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the preceding fourteen (14) days; or (5) persons with fever, cough, or shortness of breath. Court security staff shall inquire of all persons seeking entry to any courthouse whether they meet any of the above criteria for restricting visitors, and if so, deny their entry. Persons shall wear a mask or face covering while in public spaces of the courthouse unless otherwise directed by the Court. The U.S. Marshals Service may also deny entry to the courthouse to any person considered a risk to carry COVID-19. The General Order remains in effect until December 24, 2020.

Per General Order 149, all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, including employees, vendors, contractors, litigants, attorneys, and other members of the public, shall be required to wear a mask/face covering when in common areas of any courthouse.

All civil and criminal jury trials scheduled to begin on any date from now through May 1, 2020 are continued, to a date reset by each presiding judge. Grand jury matters will proceed pending further action by the court. Individual judges may hold in-person hearings and proceedings, but counsel may seek relief by appropriate motion. Parties are encouraged to participate in hearings and proceedings by telephone or video conference.

Standing Order 20-SO-7 authorizes the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for all events listed in Section 15002 of the CARES Act. Authorization under the act has been extended until September 1, 2021.

The court is restricting courthouse access for those who have been diagnosed with or have had contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, have been asked to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital or health agency, or reside or have had close contact with someone who has had close contact with someone who has been asked to self-quarantine. Attorneys who are unable to appear because of the restrictions are directed to contact their judge or the judge’s case manager. All individuals are required to wear a face covering that covers the wearer’s nose and mouth simultaneously in all public spaces, including courtrooms and security checkpoints, unless directed by the court otherwise.

The court remains open and all deadlines in all cases have not been extended and remain in effect unless specifically addressed by Standing Order 13. All civil jury trials scheduled to being before April 2, 2021 are continued and postponed under further order. The absence of an order in a specific case all criminal cases, including jury trials are continued to April 2, 2021. However, individual Judges may set cases for jury trial on a limited basis between now and April 2, 2021, if appropriate health guidance can be followed, and the schedule and procedure for such trials will be set by those Judges, whose orders will control those cases. Any proceeding to be held in court will be guided by the Court’s May 13, 2020 Standing Order 16, which sets out the conditions and limitations necessary to accommodate public health guidance.

Judges also are authorized to use video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for all events listed in Section 15002 of the CARES Act. The act is extended through February 1, 2022.

Per the Fourth Amended Standing Order 12, all entrants to any courthouse, combined Courthouse/Federal Facility, or U.S. Probation Office are required to wear an appropriate face mask or cloth face covering in all public spaces, including courtrooms and security checkpoints. Counsel, parties, participants, and all others entering courtrooms shall wear face masks or cloth face coverings during court proceedings unless otherwise directed by the court. A face mask or cloth face covering will be available for anyone who does not have one. All persons should also observe recommended social distancing and appropriate hand cleansing guidance (hand sanitizers will remain available at all facilities). While all attorneys and CM/ECF-registered litigants are encouraged to file documents electronically, documents may be filed by mail or by filing at the front counter in the Greensboro Courthouse during normal business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).

The courthouses will remain open subject to the limitation outlined in the Order dated June 9.

All criminal and civil jury trials may resume at the discretion of the judge, subject to courtroom availability, and the availability of a sufficient number of jurors. Hearings in criminal matters will be conducted within the discretion of the presiding judge and civil motion hearings may be conducted in the courthouse or via video teleconference as directed by the presiding judge.

The court has authorized the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for all events listed in Section 15002 of the CARES Act through March 22, 2022.

The court is restricting courthouse access for those who have been diagnosed with or have had contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, have been asked to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital or health agency, or reside or have had close contact with someone who has had close contact with someone who has been asked to self-quarantine.

All criminal jury trials presently scheduled to start between October 27, 2020, and January 31, 2021, and all civil jury trials presently scheduled to start between October 27, 2020, and February 28, 2021 are continued. Trial specific deadlines in criminal cases are continued but all trial specific deadlines in civil cases remain. Attorneys may request modification to pleading-related and discovery-related deadlines as needed and individual judges may continue trial specific deadlines in civil cases per their discretion. Individual judges may also conduct proceedings by telephone or video conference when practical and consistent with the law. Grand jury proceedings in this District presently scheduled through December 31, 2020, are continued.

Judges are authorized to use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for all events listed in Section 15002 of the CARES Act. The Act’s authorization remain in effect until July 1, 2021.

All visitors, employees, and contractors are required to wear face masks or face coverings as described in the CDC regulations in any common spaces of the Federal Buildings or courthouse.

The court is closed to the public except for scheduled appointments and is restricting courthouse access for those who have been diagnosed with or have had contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, have been asked to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital or health agency, or reside or have had close contact with someone who has had close contact with someone who has been asked to self-quarantine.

Mask use and social distancing is required in all common and public areas of the courthouse.

All scheduled civil and criminal jury selections and jury trials scheduled before June 8, 2020 are continued until further notice. To the extent possible, all civil, criminal, and bankruptcy hearings are to be conducted by telephone or video conference as determined by the presiding judge. All grand jury proceedings are continued to June 15, 2020.

Order 20-00004 authorizes the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for all events listed in Section 15002 of the CARES Act.

Effective July 27, 2020, the court will resume regular business hours, which are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on legal holidays. The Clerk’s Office will resume accepting cash payments at the intake counter of the Gualo Rai Courthouse.

Court security will deny entry into the courthouse for anyone who has been diagnosed with or had contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, has been asked to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital or health agency, or resides or had close contact with someone who has had close contact with someone who has been asked to self-quarantine or anyone residing in the same household as the quarantined individual until the quarantined individual tests negative for COVID-19.

In-person civil jury trials are suspended through February 11, 2022.

The use of facemask is required of all individuals in a courthouse, unless otherwise directed by the Court or a courthouse official. Health screening may take place for admittance to the courthouse. Everyone entering the courthouse is strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

Grand jury matters will proceed after consultation with the Chief Judge, being mindful of the status of the pandemic and public health recommendations.

The use of videoconference and teleconference as permitted by law for criminal and civil proceedings will continue. If possible, proceedings will be conducted by video conference or teleconference.

Under the CARES Act review, the court authorized judges to use video conferencing, and when video conferencing is not available, telephonic conferencing for various criminal case events listed in the order. Authorization under the Act will remain in effect until March 2, 2022.

The court restricts courthouse access for anyone who has been diagnosed with or had contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, has been asked to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital or health agency, or resides or had close contact with someone who has had close contact with someone who has been asked to self-quarantine

All visitors are required to wear facial coverings (i.e., face masks) to gain admittance to the Courthouse and must wear said facial coverings in the public common areas of the Courthouses, including restrooms and break rooms. At his or her discretion, a Judge presiding at any in-court proceeding may require facial coverings, including masks, and social distancing, during those proceedings.

The courthouses in each of the three cities (the Joseph P. Kinneary Courthouse (Columbus), the Potter Stewart Courthouse (Cincinnati), and the Walter H. Rice Courthouse (Dayton)) reopened to the public on May 3, 2020. The court will be open for some on-site proceedings at the discretion of the individual judicial officers, but the court will continue to make efforts to minimize the number of on-site court proceedings to protect the health and safety of staff and visitors.

The court will allow the resumption of civil and criminal jury trials but only subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this General Order. Such proceedings will take place only in one of the six courtrooms (two at each location of Court) that has been outfitted with plexiglass shielding. Persons summoned to be jurors will remain at the courthouse during the voir dire process. Judicial Officers have the option to leave in place of remove the plexiglass.

Grand jury proceedings are authorized to begin effective immediately, but only to the extent that the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio deems necessary for the grand jury to meet.

The court may continue to offer video/telephonic conferences as appropriate and at the discretion of the individual judges. Cares Act is extended until February 2, 2022. Under the CARES Act review, the court authorized judges to use video conferencing, and, when video conferencing is not available, telephonic conferencing for various criminal case events listed in the order.

The court is restricting courthouse access for those who have been diagnosed with or have had contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, have been asked to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital or health agency, or reside or have had close contact with someone who has had close contact with someone who has been asked to self-quarantine.

All jury trials, grand jury sessions, and naturalization ceremonies scheduled to commence through April 17, 2020 are continued.

Restricting access to anyone who traveled to (or who has had close contact with someone who traveled to) a foreign country within 14 days, anyone who has been diagnosed with or had contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, has been asked to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital or health agency, or who has symptoms.

The Court will not conduct civil jury trials in the February 2022 except under extraordinary circumstances. Telephonic or video hearings may be held at the discretion of the judge. The will conduct limited criminal jury trials in February 2022. Counsel will be advised by the presiding judge if there case is on the February docket.

Under the CARES Act review, the court authorized judges to use video conferencing and, when video conferencing is not available, telephonic conferencing for various criminal case events listed in the order. The CARES Act authorization is extended through March 17, 2022. All those entering the courthouse who are not fully vaccinated are required to wear face masks.

All grand jury proceedings will be held as scheduled.

The court is restricting access to anyone who traveled to (or who has had close contact with someone who traveled to) a foreign country within 14 days, has been diagnosed with or had contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, has been asked to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital or health agency, or has symptoms.

Per General Order 21-26, all visitors will be required to wear masks while on the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th floor of the Page Belcher Building. Each Judicial Officer will determine appropriate policies for their courtroom proceedings.

All person, whether fully vaccinated or not, are required to wear face coverings at all times while in public areas of the courthouses. Judges have discretion to allow fully vaccinated individuals who appear in their courtrooms the option of removing their face coverings.

The court will continue civil and criminal jury trials set on the March 2021 docket, to be reset by the presiding judge. The court will conduct limited criminal jury trials in April 2021. The presiding judge will advise counsel if their case is set on the April 2021 docket. All other criminal jury trials on the April 2021 docket are continued. In civil cases, trial related deadlines are not continued unless otherwise ordered by the presiding judge. Trial related deadlines in criminal cases are continued and will be set by the presiding judge when the case is reset on a jury docket.

Authorizes the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for all events listed in Section 15002 of the CARES Act. Authorization under the Act will remain in effect for an additional 90 days through March 2, 2022.

The court is restricting courthouse access for those who have been diagnosed with or have had contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, have been asked to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital or health agency, or reside or have had close contact with someone who has had close contact with someone who has been asked to self-quarantine. Visitors will be questions by courthouse security prior to being allowed to enter. If a person does not have specific judicial business or answers yes to any of the COVID-19 related questions, she will not be allowed into the courthouse without express authorization from the presiding Chief Judge.

The court has also put into place a quarantine protocol to be followed by all Judges and employees of the District Court. The protocol is outlined in General Order 20-28.

Attorneys, litigants, visitors or jurors should not attend court if they have been asked to self-quarantine, been diagnosed with or had contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, or have a fever, cough, or flu-like symptoms.

All civil and criminal jury selections, trials, and grand jury proceedings may proceed as long as they can be conducted in compliance with health advisories. All other civil and criminal matters scheduled for an in-court appearance may proceed as long as they can be conducted in compliance with health advisories. Where all parties and the presiding Judge agree to resolve the matters without argument or via telephone or video teleconferencing, hearings may be conducted remotely.

Under the CARES Act review, the court authorized judges to use video conferencing and, when video conferencing is not available, telephonic conferencing for various criminal case events listed in the order. The authorization of the Act will remain in effect until March 22, 2022.

As of December 8, upon review of the authorization of video teleconferencing and telephone conferencing for criminal case events set forth in the March 30, 2020 Standing Order and extensions, as required under Section 15002(b)(3) of the CARES Act, the authorization is extended for an additional 90 days.

As of August 2, the May 28, 2020 Standing Order is Amended such that all persons entering the Byrne Courthouse are required to wear a mask or face covering that covers the wearer’s nose and mouth when entering the building and when in common or public areas of the Courthouse, regardless of vaccination status.

As of June 15, 2021, the Fifth Extension of Video Teleconferencing for criminal proceedings will remain in effect for 90 days.

The Thirteenth Extension of Adjustments to Court Operations details changes per the court’s Phase III re-opening process.

Per the Twelfth Extension of Adjustments to Court Operations, the Court anticipates that only a limited number of criminal jury trials will be held through September 7, 2021. During this period, trials will continue to be scheduled on a staggered basis in accordance with the master list maintained by the Court or based on such other criteria as may be developed by the Court.

The time period from June 7, 2021, through the date trial commences consistent with the applicable health and safety protocols and limitations or September 7, 2021, whichever is earlier, shall be excluded under the Speedy Trial Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3161(h)(7)(A), in all criminal cases in this district.

Impaneled grand juries may resume the week of January 19, 2021, with all health and safety precautions in place. Beginning December 7, 2020, impaneled grand juries shall not meet through January 15, 2021. Impaneled grand juries shall remain in session, and any subpoenas for ongoing and new investigations shall continue to be enforceable.

Individuals who need assistance with accessing court documents and are not able, or cannot afford, to use PACER.gov, should call (215) 597-7704 or email PAED_clerksoffice@paed.uscourts.gov for instructions about submitting an Application for Exemption to obtain a fee exemption. For more information, see the Order.

The court restricts any person from entering the courthouse if she has been advised to self-quarantine, resides with or had close contact with someone who has been advised to self-quarantine, has been diagnosed with or had contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, or has symptoms of respiratory illness.

Per the Standing Order dated June 30, all arbitration hearings pursuant to Local Civil Rule 53.2 are continued pending further Court order.

Per the Standing Order regarding Use of Masks or Face Coverings in Public Areas of the Edward N. Cahn U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building dated June 19, all visitors to the Edward N. Cahn U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building in Allentown, including vendors, contractors, litigants, attorneys, and other members of the public, shall be required to wear a mask or face covering that covers the wearer’s nose and mouth when entering the building and when in common or public areas of the building, unless the visitor cannot wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition. Visitors are expected to supply their own mask or face covering. Any visitor seeking entry to the courthouse without a mask or face covering will be provided a mask by the Court. This Order shall take effect on Monday, June 22, and shall remain in effect until amended or vacated. This Order shall be enforceable by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Court Security Officers.

Per the Standing Order regarding Use of Masks or Face Coverings, all visitors to the James A. Byrne U.S. Courthouse in Philadelphia, including vendors, contractors, litigants, attorneys, and other members of the public, shall be required to wear a mask or face covering that covers the wearer’s nose and mouth when entering the building and when in common or public areas of the Courthouse. Visitors are expected to supply their own mask or face covering. Any visitor seeking entry to the courthouse without a mask or face covering will be provided a mask by the Court. This Order shall take effect on June 1, 2020 and remain in effect until amended or vacated. This Order shall be enforceable by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Court Security Officers.

Per the Standing Order dated May 29, the restrictions on access to courthouses, Court locations, and Court offices in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania set forth in the Standing Orders issued on March 17, March 20, and April 10, shall remain in effect until further notice. Access to courthouses and other court locations is limited to judges, court personnel, and persons attending court proceedings or having other official business with the court. Persons otherwise authorized to enter are still prohibited from entering if: (1) because of exposure to COVID-19 or travel to a country or region with an outbreak of COVID-19, they have been advised to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital, or health agency; (2) they reside with or have had close contact with someone who has been advised to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital, or health agency; (3) they have been diagnosed with, or have had known contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19; or (4) they are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness such as fever, severe cough, or shortness of breath.

Per the Standing Order dated May 29, 2020, all registered users of the CM/ECF system are required to electronically file any case-related documents that can be filed electronically. Paper filings are strongly discouraged.

Per the Notice dated June 2, 2020, due to restrictions currently in place, as set forth in the court’s Standing Order dated 2020, individuals seeking copy work are instructed to utilize PACER.gov to access court documents. If you need assistance with accessing court documents, call (215) 597-7704 or email PAED_Clerksoffice@paed.uscourts.gov. Note that services relating to copy work for documents that are not available to PACER.gov, as well as certified copies of such documents, are currently unavailable. To obtain certified copies of documents that are available on PACER.gov, send an email request to PAED_clerksoffice@paed.uscourts.gov. Payment by check or money order is required. Certified copies will be provided via email.

Per Order 2021-16, the findings and directives of Standing Order 2020-19 are extended for a period of 90 days from December 21, 2021.

Per Order 2021-12, all persons, regardless of vaccination status, entering the Ronald Reagan Federal Building & United States Courthouse in Harrisburg, Dauphin County, and the Max Rosen United States Courthouse in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, must at all times wear a mask or face covering that covers the wearer’s nose and mouth when entering the building and when in common or public spaces, including but not limited to courtrooms, hallways, bathrooms, Clerks Office public counter/intake area, Probation Office reception, elevators and stairwells.

Per Order 2021-10, effective June 28, 2021, criminal and civil jury trials scheduled in the Middle District of Pennsylvania may resume in the ordinary course, except that no two juries shall be selected on the same day in the same courthouse, so as to accommodate physical distancing in the jury selection rooms, as necessary. Non-jury trials may also resume in the ordinary course and may be conducted contemporaneously with civil and criminal jury trial.

Standing Order 2021-03 extends the suspension of jury trials set forth in Standing Order 2020-34 until March 1, 2021.

Pursuant to Standing Order 2020-30, the Middle District of Pennsylvania shall immediately re-enter Phase One of the COVID-19 Recovery Guidelines adopted by this Court pursuant to Standing Order 2020-17.

Pursuant to Standing Order 2020-29, all civil and criminal case jury selections and civil and criminal case jury trials in the Middle District of Pennsylvania scheduled to begin before January 11, 2021 are continued pending further Order of the Court. The Court may issue further Orders concerning this or future general or specific continuances as may be deemed necessary and appropriate. All jury selections and trials affected by this Order will be reset by further Order of the assigned judicial officer.

The court restricts people from entering the courthouse if they have been advised to self-quarantine, resides with or had close contact with someone who has been advised to self-quarantine, has been diagnosed with or had contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, or has symptoms of respiratory illness.

The Court presented the Middle District’s plan for the reinstitution of jury trials on Tuesday, July 28. The ZOOM presentation highlights the framework for the safe resumption of jury trials and addresses COVID-19 precautions and concerns. Chief Judge John E. Jones III, Federal Public Defender Heidi Freese, and U.S. Attorney David Freed present the district’s comprehensive plan which addresses all aspects of trial, from the scheduling of trials through jury deliberations. The presentation is shown here in its entirety for those who were unable to attend the live stream.

The Court has developed and amended the COVID-19 Recovery Guidelines in consultation with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Epidemiology, and in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Administrative Office of the Courts published guidance. Per Standing Order 2020-17, the Middle District of Pennsylvania issues and adopts the COVID-19 Recovery Guidelines which provide guidance and policy effective during the various reopening phases to be instituted by the Court.

As of June 29, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania is now live on NextGen. Please follow the steps in the NextGen CM/ECF instructions or you will not be able to electronically file on or after June 29, 2020.

The findings and directives of General Order 20-01, as supplemented (see 20-01 (Supp.)) and extended (see General Order 20-10), are hereby extended through June 30, 2020. All hearings and proceedings in all civil and criminal matters within 60 days of June 30 2020, if they would involve the physical presence of counsel or any party or individual before the court, are continued. A hearing or proceeding that would otherwise be continued under Order 20-01 may be exempt under certain circumstances as detailed in the order.

Under the CARES Act review, the court authorized judges to use video conferencing and, when video conferencing is not available, telephonic conferencing for various criminal case events listed in the order.

Per Standing Order 20-9, if a judge finds that obtaining an actual signature is impracticable or imprudent in light of the public health situation relating to COVID-19, any document may be signed electronically.

Per Standing Order 20-14, members of the court staff shall wear a mask or face covering when in the common or public areas of the courthouse. Facial masks/coverings need not be worn in private work areas provided there is sufficient physical distancing from others. Visitors to the court, including vendors, contractors, litigants, attorneys, and other members of the public, shall be required to wear a mask or face covering when in the common or public areas of the courthouse. Any person seeking entry to the Courthouse without a mask or face covering shall be delayed by the Court Security Officers, who will inquire as to the office the person is visiting and the purpose. The Court Security Officers or the visitor shall then contact that office to determine whether the business needs can be handled other than by entry into the building. These requirements shall remain in effect until the Order is amended or vacated.

Order 2020-19 addresses the use of videoconferencing and teleconferences in criminal proceedings.

Per General Order 2020-20, the Middle District of Pennsylvania entered Phase Two of the reopening process on July 1, 2020. As of July 1, all judges, court staff, attorneys, and participants in mediations and settlement conferences conducted in the Middle District of Pennsylvania court facilities during Phase Two shall adhere to masking and social distancing protocols contained in the COVID-19 Recovery Guidelines. In-person attendance requirements for mediations and Settlement Conferences are waived during Phase Two. During this phase, requests to participate in mediations and settlement conferences telephonically or by other electronic means shall be granted liberally by the judge or mediator assigned to conduct the proceeding.

Per Standing Order 2020-21, effective July 28, all civil and criminal jury selections and jury trials in the Middle District of Pennsylvania scheduled to begin before August 17, 2020 are continued pending further Order of the Court. All jury selections and trials affected by this Order will be reset by further Order of the assigned judicial officer.

Per Standing Order 2020-22, effective August 17, 2020, jury trials scheduled in the Middle District of Pennsylvania may resume, provided: a) criminal jury trials are prioritized; b) only one trial at a time will be conducted at each vicinage; and c) proceedings are conducted as closely as practicable in accord with the guidance set forth in the Plan for the Reinstitution of Jury Proceedings, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, as well as this Court’s COVID-19 Recovery Guidelines, as adopted by Standing Order 20-17 as amended on July 9. Non-jury proceedings, such as bench trials and hearings, may proceed as scheduled at the discretion of the presiding judge. In civil cases, the parties are encouraged to utilize video conferencing when available. In civil cases, deadlines set by the presiding judge remain in effect, but the presiding judge will liberally grant motions to enlarge deadlines based on COVID-19 pandemic complications. All parties are encouraged to conduct discovery that avoids both unnecessary travel and personal contact via means including the use of all available technology, such as video and teleconferencing.

All grand jury sessions are suspended through January 31, 2022.

Per the Seventh Renewed Administrative Order, ninety (90) days from November 24, video teleconferencing, and/or telephone conferencing if video teleconferencing is not reasonably available either generally or in a specific case, is continued to be authorized for use for and in all proceedings pursuant to the terms of Section 15002(b) of the CARES Act, and more specifically as to all criminal proceedings as are set forth in Section 15002(b)(1) of the CARES Act, with the consent of the defendant or the involved juvenile as is required by law and after consultation with counsel.

Per revised guidance dated August 9, appropriate masks or face coverings shall be worn by all persons present in any indoor public portions of all Court facilities, including Courtrooms and jury areas.

Per the August 9 Administrative Order, the Court reaffirms the finding of necessity for the exclusion of all time in all criminal cases pending or to be filed on the docket of this Court to and including September 30, 2021 pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §3161(h)(7)(A).

Per the Administrative Order dated April 27, civil and criminal case jury selections and civil and criminal case jury trials in the Western District of Pennsylvania scheduled to begin before June 1, 2021 are continued pending further order of the Court.

The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania remains open for official business in all Divisions. The ECF system is not impacted and parties may continue to file electronically. Litigants and other parties without ECF access may send documents for filing by electronic mail to the Clerk’s Office at this address: intake2_pawd@pawd.uscourts.gov. Nothing in the order shall limit the right of any party or litigant to raise any matter by motion to the presiding judicial officer in the case.

Subject to the court’s orders, the court remains open and is conducting necessary judicial business (using technology as appropriate) and is accepting filings and responding to inquiries. Only essential staff are in courthouses during business hours with the majority of staff teleworking.

 

Per Order 501-MRH, if a judge finds that obtaining an actual signature is impracticable or imprudent in light of the public health situation relating to COVID-19, any document may be signed electronically.

Order 426-MRH prohibits access to people who have traveled to high-risk countries within the past fourteen days, reside or have had close contact with someone who has traveled to one of the high-risk countries within the past fourteen days, have been asked to self-quarantine, or have been diagnosed with or had contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 14 days.

Per Order 2:20-MC-593-MRH, visitors to the court, including vendors, contractors, litigants, attorneys, and other members of the public, shall be required to wear a mask or face covering when in the common or public areas of the courthouse. Any person seeking entry to the courthouse without a mask or face covering shall be delayed by the court Security Officers, who will inquire as to the office the person is visiting and the purpose. The Court Security Officers or the visitor will then contact that office to determine whether the business needs can be handled other than by entry into the building.

Per Order 2:20-MC-630, all obligations for counsel to deliver to individual Chambers paper “courtesy copies” of documents otherwise filed on the court’s CM/ECF docket are suspended and held in abeyance pending further order, or a further case-specific order of the assigned judicial officer in a particular matter that sets forth the specific method for the delivery and receipt of such courtesy copies. Order 2:20-MC-630 does not modify any filing or service deadlines or requirements under any statute, rule or order, or the obligation for filing and service via the court’s CM/ECF system.

All persons must be fully vaccinated and present proof to enter the U.S. Courthouse or any offices occupied by the Court in the John O. Pastore Building (“Courthouse”). If a person is unable to provide proof of vaccination upon entry they must either: wear a mask that covers the person's nose and mouth. If a person does not have a mask, one will be provided or take a COVID-19 rapid test on site and test negative.

All criminal petit jury trial selection and trials are continued to May 2021. The Court will begin civil trials in May and continue limited in-person hearings provided that all safety protocols established by the Task Force on Reopening the Court are satisfactory met.

Trials and all phases of trial from empanelment to deliberation in civil actions via the zoomgov.com platform until further notice. All grand jury proceedings are continued unless otherwise ordered by the Court and provided that all safety protocols established by the Task Force on Reopening the Court are satisfactory met.

The courthouse building at One Exchange Plaza and the portion of the John O. Pastore Building occupied by the Court is closed to the public until further notice. The presiding judge’s case manager will cancel all in person civil matters and will arrange hearings to be conducted telephonically. All grand jury proceedings and all ongoing criminal hearings will be continued. All criminal hearings are to take place telephonically unless the court is informed by counsel beforehand that the Defendant does not waive his/her appearance at a hearings, in which case the hearing will be continued.

Under the CARES Act review, the court authorized judges to use video conferencing and, when video conferencing is not available, telephonic conferencing for various criminal case events listed in the order. Authorization under the Act will remain in effect until February 28, 2022.

The government’s response to any emergency motion filed citing the COVID-19 pandemic as grounds for the relief sought shall be due on or before five (5) days from the service of the motion. Any reply is due on or before two (2) days from the service of any response but the court may act on a motion at any time without awaiting a response or a reply. The presiding judge may make exceptions to this order.

The District of Rhode Island is prohibiting access to people who have traveled to high-risk countries within the past fourteen days, reside or have had close contact with someone who has traveled to one of the high-risk countries within the past fourteen days, have been asked to self-quarantine, or have been diagnosed with or had contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 14 days.

By Order dated December 13 (Seventh Amended Standing Order regarding Teleconferencing), the CARES Act authorization will remain in effect for another 90 days.

Per the Second Amended Standing Order regarding Face Coverings, dated August 4, all persons seeking entry to any district courthouse must wear a face covering or mask.

By Order dated June 4, civil and criminal jury selections, jury trials, and roster meetings will proceed in the discretion of the presiding judge. Grand jury proceedings will go forward, unless otherwise ordered by the Chief Judge. The Second Amended Standing Order details restrictions on courthouse entry.

For those required to appear in court or who are called as jurors, the Department of State has issued Level 3 and 4 Travel Advisories for certain affected countries, such as China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea. In the event that you have either visited a country or are exposed to someone who has recently been to a country where there is a travel advisory, or you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, or you have been diagnosed with or have had contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, please contact the court before appearing. The Court will make reasonable accommodations and reschedule appearances and hearings as needed.

The Guide for Courthouse visitors summarizes critical considerations to take into account before visiting the courthouse and outlines what to expect upon arriving at the courthouse and how to conduct business in the courtroom. Before arriving at the courthouse, visitors should conduct a daily health self-assessment that includes a temperature check. Please see the Guide for self-assessment questions. Any person answering yes to any of the questions should consult with the Court before going to the courthouse. The Court will make reasonable accommodations and reschedule appearances and hearings as needed.

Per the Guide, upon arriving at the courthouse, visitors may enter the building for limited purposes of participating in or observing in-court proceedings or for delivering payments and pro se filings to the Court’s drop box. Anyone going into the courthouse must wear a face covering or mask. Visitors without one will be provided one by the Court as available. Everyone should continue to maintain a safe physical distance of six feet from others. Elevator capacity is temporarily reduced. Consistent reminders have been placed throughout each building.

Per the Guide, while in the courtroom, a face covering or mask must be worn at all times unless the wearer is speaking for the record. After each hearing, participants are asked to wipe down counsel tables and chairs, and change out microphone covers, using the supplies provided on each table. Some courtrooms have been outfitted with protective barriers and marked to indicate proper social distancing, and more are in the process of being outfitted and marked. Social distancing of at least six feet form others must be maintained. Meetings where appropriate social distancing may not be practical should be avoided. As recommended by the CDC, everyone should avoid touching his or her face, and should wash hands often and for at least 20 seconds to help prevent the spread of disease. Use hand sanitizer, especially after touching shared equipment or commonly touched points like door handles.

Per Amended Standing Order 3:20-MC-00175-RBH, the following persons shall not enter any federal courthouse in the District of South Carolina: (1) persons who have traveled internationally within the past 14 days; (2) persons who have been asked to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital, or health agency; (3) persons who have been diagnosed with, or in the past 14 days have had contact with, anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19; (4) persons displaying any symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, nasal congestion, loss of taste or smell, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. The U.S. Marshal, his Deputies, and the Court Security Officers shall deny entry to anyone attempting to enter in violation of this Order. Furthermore, if you have a scheduled appointment or you are otherwise required to appear at one of the courthouses in the District of South Carolina, and you are unable to appear because of the restrictions listed, you should proceed as follows: (1) if you are represented by an attorney, contact your attorney; (2) if you are an attorney, please contact the chambers directly; (3) if you are a juror, please contact the Jury Department at 803-253-3997; (4) for District Court matters, please contact the District Clerk’s Office; (5) for Bankruptcy Court platters, please consult www.scb.uscourts.gov or contact the Bankruptcy Court’s Office at 803-765-5436; (6) if you are scheduled to meet with a Probation Officer, please contact the Office of Probation and Pretrial Services. These restrictions will remain in place temporarily until it is determined that it is safe to remove them.

Per Standing Order 3:20-MC-00176-RBH, all persons seeking entry to, or occupying, any district courthouse, must wear a face covering or mask (“mask”). The mask must completely conceal the wearer’s nose and mouth at all times. During a court proceeding, the mask may be removed when the wearer is speaking for the record and at least six feet physical distancing is observed. Any person seeking entry to the courthouse without a mask will be provided a mask by the Court. If the court is unable to provide a mask for any reason, the visitor will be asked to contact by telephone the office to be visited to explore alternatives to entering the Courthouse. The United States Marshal, his Deputies, and the Court Security Officers shall enforce this Order and deny entry to those individuals not wearing a mask.

Public intake areas of all divisional Clerks’ Offices will be closed to the public in all court locations. ECF filings will continue. Pro se documents and payments by check or money order will continue to be accepted by U.S. mail.

Videoconferencing is available as detailed in Standing Order 3:20-MC-439.

Jury trials will resume as of January 25, 2021. However, if a judge is convinced that, due to COVID-19 spread in a particular division, there is an inability to safely call and retain an adequate cross-section of jurors, the judge may make a finding that the ends of justice served by continuing criminal jury trials outweigh the best interests of the public and any defendant's right to a speedy trial, and may exclude the periods of delay occasioned by such a continuance under the Speedy Trial Act pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3161(h)(7)(A). Non- jury proceedings, such as bench trials and hearings may proceed as scheduled in the discretion of the presiding judge. All parties are encouraged to consider participation by telephone or video conference when the option is available. Grand jury proceedings may resume the week of January 25, 2021.

All deadlines in civil cases remain in place and parties are encouraged to consider alternate means to avoid unnecessary contact and travel. This includes telephone and video conferencing.

Order 20-4 suspends the policy for signed consents to accompany defense motions to continue trials in criminal cases.

CARES Act authorization is renewed through December 9 20, 2020 and reauthorizes the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for all events listed in Section 15002 of the CARES Act.

The court restricts anyone from entering the courthouse if she or he has traveled to or been in contact with someone who has traveled to high-risk countries, has been diagnosed with or had contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, has a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, or has been asked to self-quarantine. Anyone unable to appear due to these restrictions should contact their attorney, as applicable, or the court. All entering the courthouse are required to wear masks and maintain social distancing of six feet or more.

Per Amended Standing Order 21-6, masks must be worn in all common areas of any courthouse and probation office located within a South Dakota county experiencing substantial or high transmission of COVID-19 as defined by the CDC. A gaiter, bandana, or handkerchief does not qualify as a mask under this standing order. For courthouses in South Dakota counties without substantial or high transmission of COVID-19, the Court Security Officers (CSOs) shall notify those entering the courthouse that, if they are not fully vaccinated, they must wear a mask while in the courthouse, and the CSOs should continue to furnish a mask to anyone who does not have one. Mask-wearing within the common areas of any courthouse where there is not substantial or high transmission is optional for those who are fully vaccinated. Anyone who falsely claims to be fully vaccinated and goes without a mask may be subject to contempt of court proceedings for violating this order. All people who are not fully vaccinated - including jurors, court employees, witnesses, CSOs, Deputy U.S. Marshals, parties and attorneys - must wear a mask within all common areas of the courthouse, including within the courtroom.

Civil and criminal jury trials scheduled to commence through February 28, 2021 before any district or magistrate judge in any division of the Eastern District of Tennessee are CONTINUED. Unless the Court extends this district-wide continuance, limited criminal and civil jury trials may begin after March 1, 2021 in the discretion of the presiding judge. To the extent practicable, civil and criminal matters shall continue to be held via telephone or video conferencing as ordered by the presiding judge. If a matter is held via telephone or video conferencing, all participants shall attend remotely, unless otherwise ordered by the presiding judge.

All grand jury proceedings in Greeneville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville will convene as directed by the court.

Under the CARES Act review, the court authorized judges to use video conferencing and, when video conferencing is not available, telephonic conferencing for various criminal case events listed in the order. The CARES Act has been extended until March 18, 2022.

The court restricts people from entering the courthouse if they have traveled to or been in contact with someone who has traveled to high-risk countries, been diagnosed with or had contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, or been asked to self-quarantine.

Standing Order 20-14 extends authorization for video or audio teleconferencing.

Per Standing Order 21-12, upon entering one of the courthouses in the Eastern District of Tennessee, all visitors must wear a mask regardless of vaccination status in bankruptcy court, district court, and probation and pretrial services spaces. Court Security Officers shall ask visitors their destination. If the visitor is on the way to any of those three spaces, the visitor will be directed to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status. Disposable masks will be available for the visitor’s use if the visitor does not have one. In all other areas, pursuant to guidance released by the CDC on July 27, 2021, visitors who are fully vaccinated or unvaccinated must wear a mask compliant with this order in all shared public areas of the courthouse (including hallways, public counters, elevators, and restrooms) when the county within which the courthouse is located is experiencing substantial or high community transmission of the COVID-19 as defined by the CDC.

The court has adopted a phased approach to resume operations during the COVID-19 operations.

At the discretion of the presiding judge, criminal jury selections and jury trials scheduled to begin now through February 28, 2022, will proceed as scheduled and will not be automatically continued due to COVID-19. Absent an order from the presiding judge, the parties should prepare for criminal jury trials as scheduled. There, however, may be limited circumstances related to COVID-19 in a particular case where the presiding judge determines that a trial must be continued. Civil jury selections and jury trials will proceed as scheduled, absent an order from the presiding judge. Individual judges may hold hearings, conferences, and bench trials in the exercise of their discretion, subject to intervening orders of the judge assigned to the matter. Such court proceedings may be conducted by telephone or video conference where practicable and consistent with the law. All grand jury proceedings are continued through August 31, 2021, with the exception of Grand Jury Panel No. 2019-2, who will report as ordered by the Chief Judge.

The Middle District of Tennessee has restricted entry to the courthouse to those who have travelled to certain high risk areas, who reside or have close contact with someone who has travelled to certain high risk countries, who has been asked to self-quarantine, who has been diagnosed with or had contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, or who has a fever, cough, or shortness of breath. All persons in the public areas of the courthouse are required to maintain social distancing and wear masks.

The bankruptcy court has issued guidance that if an individual is required to appear in court and is experiencing any flu-like symptoms, a fever, or is coughing or sneezing, her attorney should contact the court before appearing.

The Cares Act is extended through March 7, 2022.

All civil and criminal jury selections and jury trials schedule to begin between January 28, 2022 and February 18, 2022 are continued until further notice. The court will continue to hold other in-person proceedings in accordance with protocols and procedures detailed in AO 2020-26.

The Court continues to find that masking and social distancing in courtrooms and other court facilities will be maintained for health and safety, unless the Presiding Judge gives specific instructions otherwise.

The Court can accommodate a limited number of persons in court facilities because of space restrictions imposed by the required safety precautions and health-related protocols. Additionally, the Court's ability to hold multiple jury trials simultaneously is still limited. If more than one jury trial is scheduled to occur at the same time, the Presiding Judge in each case will determine how to proceed and notify the parties accordingly. Where two or more cases are scheduled to begin trial on the same date, priority may be given to one case over the other. Refer to Order No. 21-18 to review the priority of cases.

The CARES is extended through September 7, 2021. The court will continue to hold other in-person proceedings in accordance with the protocols and procedures detailed in Order 202-26.

All grand jury proceedings, including the empanelment of new grand juries, may proceed based upon the determination of and at the discretion of the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Tennessee.

All persons entering the courthouse proceedings are suspended through January 15, 2021. The presiding judge may authorize in-person proceedings on a case by case basis, which must adhere to protocols and procedures put into place for the safety of all. Everyone in the courtroom will wear a face covering over his or her mouth and nose, as recommended by the CDC. A judge may request that a participant remove a face covering for a limited purpose. Gloves may be worn but are not required. The USMS may require detainees to wear gloves. The CDC's recommended social distancing guidelines will be followed. The courtroom will be marked to indicate the distances to be kept between the participants. Because of the need to maintain social distancing among the participants, limited seating will be available for the public.

General Order 22-03, dated January 14, 2022, reauthorizes use of the emergency procedures authorized by the CARES Act, including the use of video and telephone conferencing for various criminal proceedings during the COVID-19 emergency in the Lufkin Division. The Order will remain in effect for 90 days.

General Order 22-02, dated January 13, 2022, reauthorizes use of the emergency procedures authorized by the CARES Act, including the use of video and telephone conferencing for various criminal proceedings during the COVID-19 emergency in the Beaumont Division. The Order will remain in effect for 90 days.

For civil and criminal cases assigned to Judge Barker, if any party or counsel finds that a hearing, trial, or deposition may cause a person to travel or act contrary to official guidance or precautions regarding the COVID-19 virus, the party or counsel shall request to postpone the relevant hearing, trial, or deposition or allow it by videoconference or other method. If the parties cannot reach an agreement, they may bring their request to the court.

Effective March 25, 2020, and until further order of the Court, pro se parties who wish to file legal pleadings may do so via U.S. Mail, email or fax.

Video conferencing is available as detailed in Order 20-06.

Seventh Amended Special Order 13-9, dated January 20, 2022, authorizes video teleconferencing for specified criminal proceedings.

Videoconferencing is available as detailed in Order 13-9.

Per the court’s website, if you are an attorney, please add uscourts@updates.uscourts.gov to your email safe sender list. The court uses this address to distribute important communications via email.

Per Special Orders No. 13-12, 13-15, and 13-16, each person over the age of two who seeks entry into the following buildings must wear a mask or face covering that completely covers the person’s nose and mouth at all times while in any public area of the building, unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer, guard, or Court official: Earle Cabell Federal Building, U.S. Courthouse at Dallas, J. Marvin Jones Federal Building, Mary Lou Robinson Courthouse, U.S. Courthouse at Abilene, the George H. Mahon Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse at Lubbock, and the U.S. Courthouse at San Angelo. Amended Special Order 13-16 also states that the courthouses may not be accessed by persons who: (1) are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, shortness of breath, have a fever, or are coughing or sneezing; (2) have traveled internationally within the last 14 days; or (3) have been asked to self-quarantine by any hospital or health agency or have been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 10 days.

Amended Special Order 13-14 requires all persons to wear a mask when inside the courthouse.

The U.S. District Clerk’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, which covers 100 counties in north and west Texas, will no longer provide in-person services at the Wichita Falls division, except when required to support jury trials and other court proceedings. District clerk’s office staff in the Fort Worth division will otherwise support Wichita Falls. The Wichita Falls division will continue to be one of seven places of holding court in the district, and court will be held in Wichita Falls as scheduled by the presiding judicial officer. Probation/pretrial services officers will continue to be physically present in the Wichita Falls courthouse.

B-2020-09, B-2020-10, Special Order B-2021-01, B-2021-03, Order C-2020-4 and V-2020-1, Order C-2020-5 and V-2020-2, Order V-2020-03, Order V-2020-04, V-2020-05, V-2020-08, Order V-2020-09, Order V-2020-10, V-2021-1, V-2021-2, Order C-2020-06, Order C-2020-07, C-2020-8, C-2020-10, C-2020-11, C-2020-12, Special Order C-2020-13, C-2020-15, C-2020-16, C-2020-19, C-2020-20, Order C-2020-21, Order C-2020-22, Special Order C-2020-23, Special Order C-2020-25, C-2021-2, Special Order C-2021-3, Order H-2020-6, Order H-2020-7, Order 2020-8, Order H-2020-09, Order H-2020-10, Order H-2020-11, Order H-2020-12, Order H-2020-13, Order H-2020-14, Order H-2020-15, Special Order H-2020-16, H-2020-17, Order H-2020-18, H-2020-19, H-2020-20, H-2020-21, H-2020-22, H-2020-23, Special Order H-2020-24, H-2021-01, Special Order H-2021-2, Special Order H-2021-3, H-2021-8, H-2021-11, H-2021-12, Order G-2020-1, G-2020-02, Special Order G-2021-01, Special Order G-2021-2, Order L-2020-3, Order L-2020-4, Order L-2020-5, Order L-2020-6, Order L-2020-7, L-2020-8, L-2020-9, L-2020-10, L-2020-11, L-2020-12, L-2020-13, Special Order L-2020-14, Special Order L-2021-1, Special Order L-2021-2, L-2021-3, L-2021-5, L-2021-6, L-2021-7, Order M-2020-1, Order M-2020-2, Order M-2020-3, Order M-2020-05, M-2020-6, M-2020-7, M-2020-8, M-2020-9, Special Order M-2020-10, Special Order M-2021-1, M-2021-2, M-2021-3, M-2021-4, Bankruptcy Order 2020-4, Bankruptcy Emergency Order, General Order 2020-3, General Order 2020-4, General Order 2020-5, General Order 2020-06, General Order 2020-7, General Order 2020-10, General Order 2020-11, General Order 20-19, General Order 2020-20, Remote Proceedings in Corpus Christi Division, Service of Process Notice, Bankruptcy General Order 2020-20, Remote Proceedings in Corpus Christi Division, Service of Process Notice, Service of Process Notice, General Order 2020-28, Third Supplemental Order No. 2020-27, Bankruptcy General Order 2021-4, General Order No. 2021-05, General Order 2021-06, General Order No. 2021-9, General Order 2021-12, Special Order B-2021-04, Special Order H-2021-14, Special Order L-2021-8, Special Order H-2021-15, Special Order B-2021-06, Special Order C-2021-05, Special Order V-2021-4, General Order No. H-2021-15, General Order M-2021-5, Special Order C-2021-6, Special Order V-2021-5, Special Order H-2021-17, Special Order L-2021-9, Special Order M-2021-6, Special Order C-2021-07, Special Order V-2021-6, General Order No. 2021-15, Special Order H-2021-18, General Order No. 2021-19, General Order 2021-18, Special Order M-2021-7, Special Order V-2021-09, and General Order No. 2021-24

Per General Orders 2020-10, 2020-11, 2020-19, 2020-27, 2020-28, 2021-05, 2021-06, and 2021-12 video and audio conferencing in criminal proceedings is authorized under the CARES Act. General Order 2020-20 allows for remote appearances by defendants if counseled waiver is given on the record and General Order 2020-28 clarifies the type of signature required for such waiver. General Order 2021-18 further clarifies the type of signature required for such waiver, and will expire on the earlier of the termination of the national emergency declared by the President, or, unless renewed by court order, on December 26, 2021. General Order 2021-24 extends the types of signatures required for waivers. The Order is effective beginning December 27, 2021 and will expire on the earlier of termination of the national emergency declared by the President or unless renewed by court order on March 26, 2022.

Per Special Order V-2021-09, effective immediately, the wearing of masks is optional for all who enter the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Building including those who work in the building and members of the public. Anyone entering the courthouse who has not been vaccinated against coronavirus is encouraged to wear a mask. There is one exception – all courthouse employees who work with venire panels and jurors will be both vaccinated and masked. This order remains in effect until the court orders otherwise.

Per Special Order H-2021-18, in the Houston Division, jury trials (criminal and civil) scheduled to begin from September 13, 2021 until October 12, 2021 are continued to a date to be reset by each presiding judge. Grand juries will resume September 27, 2021. The empanelment of new Houston grand juries scheduled to begin before October 12, 2021 will be reset by the court. This Order does not apply to Bankruptcy Court proceedings.

Per Special Order M-2021-7, in the McAllen Division of the Southern District of Texas, jury trials (criminal and civil) scheduled to begin from October 1 through 31, 2021, are continued to a date to be reset by each presiding judge. The continuances do not affect any deadlines other than the jury trial dates. This Order does not apply to Bankruptcy Court proceedings.

Per Special Order L-2021-9, in the Laredo Division of the Southern District of Texas, jury trials scheduled to begin from August 27, 2021 through September 30, 2021 are continued to a date to be reset by each presiding judge. This Order does not apply to Bankruptcy Court proceedings.

Per Special Order C-2021-7, the U.S. Courthouse in Corpus Christi, Texas is closed to the public until further notice (Special Order C-2021-06). Upon reopening, or at any time prior, the public, employees, and contractors who enter the Corpus Christi courthouse must wear masks or face coverings in public areas and in shared workspaces where safe social distancing is not possible. Jury trials (criminal and civil) scheduled to begin from this date until October 31, 2021, are continued, to a date to be reset by each presiding judge. Those continuances do not affect any deadlines other than the jury trial dates. Attorneys should contact the presiding judges in their cases if they want to modify other deadlines.

Per General Order No. H-2021-15, effective August 16, 2021, all employees and on-site contractors of the U.S. District and Bankruptcy Courts and Probation/Pretrial Services Office for the Southern District of Texas are required to show proof of vaccination or provide proof of approved negative test results twice a week. Unvaccinated employees and on-site contractors will be prohibited from work-related travel. Effective July 30, 2021, all individuals who enter the Bob Casey U.S. Courthouse in Houston, Texas must wear a mask and practice social distancing in courthouse public areas.

Per Special Order B-2021-06 (superseding Special Order B-2021-04), effective immediately, all individuals who enter the Reynaldo G. Garza – Filemon B. Vela United States Courthouse in Brownsville, Texas must wear a mask and practice social distancing in courthouse public areas.

Per Special Order L-2021-8, everyone working in and coming to the George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse within the Southern District of Texas are required to wear masks in hallways and other public areas. Masks inside courtrooms are at the discretion of each presiding judicial officer.

Per General Order No. 2021-9, everyone in the Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Houston, Laredo, and Victoria Division courthouses, including employees, members of the public, jurors and prospective jurors, lawyers, litigants, contractors, family members, witnesses, and court observers are still required to wear masks in hallways and other public areas. Masks inside courtrooms are at the discretion of each presiding judicial officer. While the general masking requirement is division dependent, courthouse employees in all divisions within the Southern District of Texas may not work with jury panels and juries unless they are vaccinated and masked.

In several divisions, the court’s exclusive authority to administer the oath of allegiance to new citizens is temporarily waived.

As of June 1, 2021, the McAllen Division of the Southern District of Texas will resume regular operations. Everyone including employees, members of the public, jurors and prospective jurors, lawyers, litigants, contractors, family members, witnesses, and court observers are still required to wear masks in hallways and other public areas. Each presiding judicial officer may limit courtroom access. Additionally, masks inside courtrooms are at the discretion of each presiding judicial officer. The U.S. Marshals Service is authorized to exclude from the courthouse anyone who does not wear a mask in public areas. Courthouse employees in the McAllen Division may not work with jury panels and juries unless they are vaccinated and masked.

In the Galveston Division, dated May 21, 2021, effective immediately, the wearing of masks is optional for all who enter the United States Courthouse at 601 25th Street in Galveston, including both those who work in the building and members of the public. Anyone entering the courthouse who has not been vaccinated against coronavirus is encouraged to wear a mask. As an exception, pursuant to the official district-wide policy of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, all courthouse employees who work with venire panels and jurors will be both vaccinated and masked.

By special order, several divisions including Corpus Christi, Brownsville, and Galveston have restricted courthouse access to anyone who visited Level 3 countries in the past two weeks, had close contact with someone who has visited those countries in the past two weeks, has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or has been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed, has been asked to self-quarantine or who is experiencing fever, cough or shortness of breath from visiting certain district courthouses.

Effective July 6, the Albert Armendariz, Sr. United States Courthouse will be open for business to the public, but access to the building will be restricted. Individuals who are fully vaccinated may enter the facility without a mask. The wearing of an appropriate mask that covers the person’s nose and mouth is required for individuals not fully vaccinated.

The Seventh Supplemental General Order, dated December 15, 2021, authorizes judges to use video or telephonic conferencing for various listed criminal events under the authority of the CARES Act. The authorization is effective March 15, 2022 unless earlier terminated.

Judges may continue to hold in-person hearings, sentencing proceedings, and conferences, but counsel may seek relief from those matters by appropriate motions.

The parties are encouraged to participate in sentencing hearings, detention hearings, and pleas and civil or criminal motion hearings and conferences by telephone or video.

The San Antonio Division has increased its utilization of telephones and video teleconferencing for court hearings, as detailed in the July 15 Order.

Under the CARES Act, and as detailed in the March 12, 2021 Order, videoconferencing and telephonic conferencing is available for certain matters with appropriate consent.

The district-wide April 27 Order extends certain statutory deadlines for administrative and civil forfeiture proceedings.

For all criminal proceedings in Waco, other than sentencings, no immediate family members of a defendant will be allowed access to the courthouse or courtroom.

Video conferencing is available as detailed in the General Order dated March 30.

Access to the United States Courthouse in Austin, Texas will be restricted per the Fifteenth Order dated May 28, 2021. Individuals who are fully vaccinated may enter the facility without a mask. The wearing of an appropriate mask that covers the person’s nose and mouth is required for individuals not fully vaccinated.

Access to the United States Courthouse in San Antonio, Texas will be restricted per the Order dated May 26, 2021. Individuals who are fully vaccinated may enter the facility without a mask. The wearing of an appropriate mask that covers the person’s nose and mouth is required for individuals not fully vaccinated.

Access to the United States Courthouse in Midland, Pecos, and Alpine, Texas will be restricted per the Order dated May 20, 2021.

Regarding Markman hearings in Waco, the court will consider reasonable adjustments to scheduling. Prior to contacting the court, the parties must first have met-and-conferred about proposed changes.

All in person civil and criminal jury trials set to commence prior to February 14, 2022 are vacated. Critical hearings in criminal cases may continue in person as ordered by the presiding judge in each case. The default will continue to be that hearings will be conducted by videoconference or teleconference.

The court restricts people from entering the courthouse if they have traveled to or been in contact with someone who has traveled to high-risk countries within the last 14 days, been diagnosed with or had contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, or been asked to self-quarantine.

Individual judges may set civil cases for jury trials on dates on which no criminal cases are available for trial. Criminal jury trials will be held and will take precedence over the scheduling of in-person civil jury trials. Individual judges may now set civil cases for jury trials on dates on which no criminal cases are available for trial.

General Order 20-010 discusses attorney-client privilege preservation during electronic communication and other issues specific to criminal proceedings.

General Order 20-011 authorizes the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for all events listed in Section 15002 of the CARES Act. CARES Act is extended April 4, 2022.

Per General Order 21-010, an individual entering the Orrin G. Hatch Courthouse must wear a mask over their nose and mouth in all public areas inside the courthouse.

The courthouse is open for visits by attorneys and members of public. Masking is required in all public spaces (including courtrooms) for all employees, onsite contractors, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status. This policy applies only to public spaces. Each individual agency will determine the requirements for their own internal agency workspace. For all trials, the presiding judge will make a ruling regarding COVID-19 protocols for all trial participants. The judge will make this decision before the trial as part of a broader discussion about trial preparations and safety precautions with counsel for all parties and other participants. The court continues to restrict people from entering the courthouse if they have traveled to or been in contact with someone who has traveled to high-risk countries within the last 14 days, been diagnosed with or had contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, or been asked to self-quarantine.

Jury trials in criminal and civil cases have resumed effective September 1, 2020. The presiding judge continues to exercise discretion as to the scheduling and conduct of trial. The presiding judge is authorized to use video and audio in civil motions hearings and hearings in bankruptcy cases.

Under the CARES Act review, the court authorized judges to use video conferencing, and when video conferencing is not available, telephonic conferencing for various criminal case events listed in the order. CARES Act authorization has been extended until December 23, 2021.

Per General Order No. 101, masking is required in all public spaces for all employees, on-site contractors, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status. Masking and social distancing is required for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals. This policy applies only to public spaces. Each individual agency will determine the requirements for their own internal agency workspace.

Per Order 2021-15 and effective January 3, 2022, regardless of vaccination status, all individuals, to include employees, litigants, attorneys, jurors, stakeholders from other agencies, contractors, vendors, and members of the public, shall be required to wear an N95 or KN95 mask in all indoor public areas and public-facing areas in Courthouses and Court facilities.

Per Order 2021-13, the Court has extended the previously adopted COVID-19 vaccination and testing policy to counsel admitted to practice in this Court and employees of their offices who enter the Courthouses and Court facilities, with appropriate modifications as set forth in the Order.

Per Order 2021-12, all Court employees are expected to complete a vaccine attestation form by August 25.

As established by General Order 2021-11, all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, that appear in person in the Courthouses/facilities in this District, to include employees, vendors, contractors, litigants, attorneys, stakeholders from other agencies, and members of the public, are required to wear masks.

Order 2021-07 details Court Operations pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 5(f) and the Due Process Protections Act.

Order 2021-06 details policies for court entry and juror questionnaires.

Per Order 2021-05, the Clerk’s Office counters will re-open to the public on May 17.

Per Order 2021-04, civil jury trials will resume in this District beginning on May 3, 2021. Civil jury trials will only be conducted in the retrofitted trial courtrooms in each respective Division, and because criminal trials will continue to take precedence, civil jury trials will occur only when a retrofitted courtroom is not being used for a criminal jury trial. 

Per General Order 2021-02, criminal jury trials and grand jury proceedings will resume in this District beginning on March 1, 2021. All in-person misdemeanor, traffic, and petty offense dockets in all Divisions, as well as the empanelment of new grand juries, are temporarily suspended through March 31, 2021

Per General Order 2020-17, the Court has determined that the current data supports removing the entry restrictions associated with domestic travel within the United States. The Court has endeavored to clarify the entrance restrictions for those that are sick or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. The entrance restrictions are subject to appropriate exceptions made on a case-by-case basis by the Senior Active Judge for the Alexandria and Richmond Divisions, and the Chief Judge of the Court for the Norfolk and Newport News Divisions.

Per General Order 2020-17, no person shall enter the Alexandria, Newport News, Norfolk, or Richmond Courthouses if she has, within the past two weeks: (1) traveled internationally; (2) been diagnosed with COVID-19, or had contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19; (3) been directed to quarantine or isolate; (4) experienced a fever or chills, persistent cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, new loss of taste or smell, or other flu-like symptoms; or (5) resided with, or been in close contact with, any person in the above-mentioned categories. Anyone attempting to enter in violation of these protocols will be denied entry unless a case-specific exception is granted by the Senior Active Judge or the Chief Judge of the Court. While inside the courthouse: (1) to the extent possible, maintain six feet of distance from all other individuals; and (2) all individuals are required to wear a face covering or mask while in common areas unless it is medically unsafe for them to do so and they obtain permission from the Senior Active Judge or the Chief Judge of the Court. Any person who does not comply with these requirements will be denied entry and/or subject to removal from the Courthouse. If you are unable to appear for a Court proceedings, or any other matter, because of the restrictions stated above, please see the Courthouse-specific notices in Order 2020-17 for contact information.

Per General Order 2020-16, the Court will take the following actions as part of its phased expansion of operations. First, consistent with General Order 2020-12, effective June 11, 2020, in-person proceedings will no longer be strictly limited to “critical or emergency proceedings.” However, judges will continue to use video- and tele-conferencing to the greatest extent possible for both civil proceedings and criminal proceedings authorized by the CARES Act. Second, face coverings will be required to be worn in all common areas of the Courthouses and social distancing of at least six feet shall be maintained whenever possible (as per General Orders 2020-14 and 2020-15). Third, all Court units, chambers, and building tenants are encouraged to request that any Courthouse visitors with whom they communicate, to include probationers, attorneys, litigants, witnesses, jurors, and guests, conduct a health self-assessment before entering the Courthouses and avoid appearing and contact the appropriate office/chambers if sick. Fourth, no criminal jury trials shall be conducted prior to Tuesday, July 7, 2020. Fifth, grand juries may be utilized again in all Divisions of this Court beginning on June 11, 2020, as long as the proceedings are conducted with the same procedural safeguards and strict social distancing is implemented. Sixth, no civil jury trials shall be conducted until further notice. Seventh, naturalization ceremonies will continue to be postponed. Eighth, consistent with General Order 2020-4, all non-case related outside events, tours, and other gatherings in the Courthouses continue to be postponed until further notice. General Order 2020-16 also includes a detailed explanation to provide further transparency and clarity regarding the dates selected for the staged resumption of live proceedings and bench trials, criminal jury trials, and then civil jury trials. Please see pages 5-17 of General Order 2020-16 for the detailed explanation.

Per General Order 2020-15, beginning on May 26, 2020, the U.S. Courthouse in Newport News will be reopened to the public and employees for limited operations consistent with the other Courthouses in the District. Upon reopening, a drop-box, with a nearby telephone line to the Clerk’s office, will be available for in-person filings at the U.S. Courthouse in Newport News, as detailed in 2020-08.

Per General Order 2020-09, pursuant to Section 15002(b)(1) of the CARES Act legislation, the order authorized the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for all events listed in Section 12002(b) of the legislation.

To minimize person-to-person contact, drop boxes have been installed at the Norfolk, Alexandria, Richmond, and Newport News courthouses.

The court has issued general orders providing for temporary, emergency video and teleconferencing for civil and criminal hearings, including the use of Zoomgov remote videoconferencing, when appropriate.

The court’s public terminals are not currently available and use of an online PACER account is required at this time to access court records. Depending on the volume of information accessed, your PACER account usage may be free as total access fees of under $30 per quarter are automatically waived. Please contact PACER at www.pacer.gov or 1-800-676-6865 for registration information and fee exemption request provisions.

Per the Tenth Amended Standing Order 2020-3, Naturalization ceremonies in the Western District of Virginia be suspended until March 31, 2022.

Standing Order 2021-23 re-authorizes video conferencing in criminal cases per the CARES Act until February 28, 2022.

Per Standing Order 2021-17, employees of the U.S. District Court and U.S. Bankruptcy Court, including judges, chambers staff, and staff of the Clerk’s Office and Probation Office, who are not fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus are required to: (1) be tested for COVID-19 by means of a PCR test every seven days, and (2) wear a mask while indoors in our court facilities, except when alone inside a private enclosed office space. Anyone with a positive test result must quarantine at home for an appropriate period.

Per Standing Order 2021-16, all persons seeking entry to courthouses, whether vaccinated or not, are required to wear a mask.

Per Standing Order 2021-7, the public counters of the District Court Clerk’s Office in the Western District re-opened on April 1, 2021.

Per Standing Order 2021-4, the Court has postponed all civil and criminal jury trials until April 1, 2021.

Standing Order 21-01 sets forth procedures for filing highly sensitive documents.

Per Standing Order No. 2020-21, all in-person federal court hearings scheduled in the Poff Federal Building in Roanoke, Virginia are postponed until Monday, November 9, 2020.

In connection with all pending Court appearances, you are asked to notify the Court if you or anyone planning to join you at the courthouse has symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or if you or the person joining you have been exposed within the past 14 days to individuals who may have COVID-19 coronavirus. This will enable the Court to reschedule an appearance that might otherwise risk spreading the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Per Order 2020-3 (Sixth Amended), the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia is temporarily suspending all naturalization ceremonies scheduled to be performed in this district on or before March 31, 2021. During this period, the Attorney General of the United States, acting through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), may administer the Oath of Allegiance to all applicants for naturalization residing in the Western District of Virginia.

Per the Amended Order dated July 10 (supplementing prior orders and amending Orders 2020-10 and 2020-14), the court has determined to postpone the resumption of criminal jury trials in this district until August 31, 2020. This is the same date presently set for resumption of civil jury trials. Standing Order 2020-10 is amended to extent to August 31, 2020 so as to exclude the period prior to August 31, 2020 from Speedy Trial Act calculations.

Per Order 2020-14, the Western District of Virginia will enter Phase I of the court’s Reopening Plan on June 29, 2020. The court will implement the following precautions as part of Phase I. First, all entrants to a courthouse in the Western District of Virginia are required to wear a face covering or masks that covers the wearer’s nose and mouth continuously when in public spaces, including hallways, entrance foyers, and courtrooms. Face coverings are required for all authorized visitors and other persons having business with the court. Counsel, parties, participants, and courtroom staff shall wear face masks or face coverings during in-person court proceedings unless otherwise directed by the court, as well as while they are in any public spaces within the building. A face covering will be made available for anyone seeking entry to the courthouse who does not have one. A face covering is not required for children under 10 years of age or for persons whose health condition prohibits wearing a face covering. Second, social distancing of at least six feet shall be maintained whenever possible throughout a Western District of Virginia courthouse. Third, all individuals entering a Western District of Virginia courthouse should conduct a health self-assessment. If an individual exhibits signs of COVID-19 infection per CDC guidance, the individual should stay home. Vulnerable individuals are specifically encouraged to consider the necessity of entering the courthouse.

Fourth, the following persons may not enter a Western District of Virginia courthouse: (1) persons who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and have not been advised to discontinue isolation by any physician, hospital or health agency; (2) persons who have been asked to self-quarantine by a physician, hospital, or health agency and have not been advised to discontinue self-quarantine; (3) persons who have had contact within the last 14 days with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or asked to self-quarantine by any physician, hospital, or health agency; (4) persons who have traveled within the last 14 days either internationally or to areas heavily infected with coronavirus; and (5) persons with apparent symptoms of COVID-19, including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, unusual fatigue, muscle or body aches, new loss of taste of smell, sore throat, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea. Fifth, all appropriate areas of the courtroom will be cleaned and sanitized between hearings.

Per Order 2020-14, the court will further implement the following changes to court operations as part of Phase I. Effective June 29, 2020, in-person proceedings may be resumed throughout the district. Depending on local circumstances of each Division and the discretion of the presiding judge, the following in-person proceedings may resume on June 29, 2020: civil and criminal bench trials, other civil and criminal hearings, and misdemeanor, traffic, and petty offense proceedings. The court will conduct video and teleconference hearings to the maximum extent possible and strong encourages parties to continue to consent to and participate in video and teleconference hearings. Grand juries may begin to be utilized in all Divisions by June 11, 2020. While Clerk’s Office intake stations will remain closed throughout Phase I, documents may be filed with the Clerk electronically, by mail or in the secure drop boxes located in the lobby of the Western District’s courthouses. All naturalization ceremonies and non-case related outside events, tours, and other gatherings are postponed until further notice.

Adopted to supplement, and not supersede, Order 2020-4, Order 2020-6 restricts public access to the Poff Federal Building, permitting only members of the public having business with the United States District Court.

Per Order 2020-12, the court authorizes the use of appropriate teleconference services in this district to allow members of the public and press to access a toll-free telephone line to remotely listen to the live audio-stream of civil and criminal court proceedings that are conducted remotely during the judicial emergency created by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the exception of court personnel, any person remotely participating in, or listening to, a remote court proceeding may not record, or cause to be recorded, any such proceeding. Violations may result in sanctions, restricted access to future hearings, denial of entry to future hearings, and any other sanctions deemed necessary by the court. During the judicial emergency created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the requirement that Pretrial Services Reports be returned to the probation officer at the conclusion of a judicial proceeding is temporarily suspended. Counsel is required to maintain the confidentiality of Pretrial Services Reports and may not disclose them to others.

Courthouses currently are closed to the public.

Per General Order 2021-13, all persons, regardless of vaccination status, seeking entry to, or occupying court spaces in the United States Courthouses in Richland, Spokane and Yakima, Washington must wear a mask.

Per General Order 20-101-11 (amending some aspects of Orders 20-101-4 through 10) dated September 23, 2020, effective immediately, all Yakima grand jury sessions through November 30, 2020 are vacated. Since June 1, the Clerk’s Office in Spokane has been open and physically accessible to the public. Effective November 2, 2020, the Clerk’s Offices in Yakima and Richland, Washington will be open and physically accessible to the public. Staff will be available by telephone, mail will be received, and new filings will be processed. Those seeking to make in-person filings or payments are directed to leave materials in the designated drop-boxes at the Court Security Office locations in the entryway of each courthouse. The Court encourages electronic filings through the CM/ECF filing system, use of the electronic payment system, and use of mail and delivery services. The Clerk’s Office is not closed, it is operation, and you may contact the office by telephone during business hours. Naturalization ceremonies are cancelled through November 30, 2020. Attendees of in-court proceedings are encouraged to wear masks, social distance, and follow public health advisories. This Order does not pertain to bankruptcy proceedings.

Per FSC Order 20-12, the public safety measures established through FSC Order 20-01 and extended through 20-02, 20-03, 20-06, 20-07, 20-08, 20-09, 20-10, and 20-11 are extended through October 31, 2020. The U.S. Courthouse in Yakima, Washington (the William O. Douglas Federal Building) will remain closed to the public through October 31, 2020, absent further amendment or extension to this Order.

Per General Order No. 20-101-4, all associated case management deadlines related to those affected civil and criminal cases are suspended, subject to orders from the presiding judge in each of those cases. Excepted from this General Order are essential Magistrate Judge hearings and functions that will be evaluated on a case by case basis at the discretion of the presiding Magistrate Judge after consultation with counsel. This order does not pertain to bankruptcy proceedings.

The Spokane Federal Courthouse is now open to the public. The court floors of the Richland Federal Courthouse are closed to the public through July 31, 2020.

All non-case related events scheduled to be held in the District’s courthouses are postponed pending further order of the Court. Physical access to urgent in-person proceedings scheduled at this time will be limited to parties, counsel, witnesses, and victims.

Effective immediately, the audio content of hearings held in the Eastern District of Washington throughout the COVID-19 pandemic event will be available in real-time to members of the press and public via a dedicated teleconference line. This access will be free of charge. Dial-in information will be available on PACER via the docket for each scheduled case. Hearing content provided in such manner must NOT be recorded or rebroadcast.

Per General Order 20-04, all persons seeking entry to, or occupying, the William O. Douglas Federal Building in Yakima, Washington must wear a mask. The mask, when worn, must completely conceal the wearer’s nose and mouth at all times. The Clerk of Court may provide masks for visitors required to attend court hearings, but all other visitors are to provide their own masks. The U.S. Marshal, his Deputies, and the Court Security Officers shall enforce this Order by denying entry to those individuals not wearing a mask and removing individuals who gain entry to the courthouse then remove their masks in violation of this Order. Social distancing measures will be enforced to the greatest extent practicable in all public areas of the William O. Douglas Federal Building.

General Order 01-22 amends General Order 16-21 to clarify that virtual trials over Zoom.gov may proceed at the discretion of individual judges.

Order 16-21, dated December 30, details temporary changes in Court policies due to the Omicron variant, including the suspension, until at least February 7, 2022, of all civil trials scheduled to occur in the next five weeks. Criminal proceedings before Magistrate Judges, such as initial appearances, detention hearings, and arraignments, shall be conducted using audio and video conference technology until February 7, 2022.

Per Order 14-21, the procedures set forth in General Order 04-20, authorizing the use of video conferences or telephone conferences for certain criminal proceedings, are extended another 90 days from December 22.

Per Order 11-21, beginning August 16, 2021, all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a face mask in public and common areas of the courthouses at all times

Order 2010-21 details modified court operations in light of COVID-19.

Order 08-21 sets forth rules for the use of electronic devices in the courthouse.

Per General Order 04-21, the procedures established by General Order 15-20 will be continued until June 30, 2021, except as in the updated Order. All District Court civil and criminal in-person hearings and trials in these Courthouses scheduled to occur before June 30, 2021, are continued pending a future general order from this Court.

Remote video proceedings are permitted in civil cases, including jury trials with jurors participating remotely. Courthouse lobbies will remain open for the public to use drop boxes to deposit documents for filing and payments for the District Clerk’s Office. Individuals may enter the courthouses to conduct official business provided they have scheduled appointments or notifications to do so.

The Court further ORDERS the continuation of the following procedural changes: In order to limit the physical exchange of documents, signatures on documents in civil and criminal proceedings conducted remotely will not be required. Instead, the Court will make a record that the document has been reviewed and authorized by the signatory and is fully binding. Such documents include, but are not limited to the following: a.) Financial affidavits. 28 U.S.C. 1746; b.) CJA Appointments; c.) Consents to proceed before a magistrate judge; d.) Appearance bonds/Orders of release; e.) Plea agreements; f.) Jury verdicts; and g.) Judgments. Additionally, Local Civil Rule 32 continues to include among the definitions of “Unavailable Witness” in FRCP 32(4)(C) the following: “concern about personal health risks from exposure to the COVID-19 virus.” Other General Orders addressing particular COVID-19 issues have not expired and need not be modified at this time.

Per General Order 11-20, a limited number of people may enter the courthouses to conduct official business provided they have scheduled appointments or notifications to do so. The Court continues to successfully conduct civil and criminal proceedings via video conference and teleconference. Counsel in civil cases are strongly encouraged to confer with each other and work with the Court to use such procedures to avoid a significant delay before in-person proceedings can resume.

General Order 10-20 is being issued to add to the Court’s safety procedures in conjunction with General Order 08-20. Per General Order 10-20, the following additional procedures will now be implemented. Updated COVID-19 screening questions will be posted at the entrances to the Seattle and Tacoma Courthouses. Most individuals who review these questions will understand when it is wise, from a public health standpoint, to voluntarily not enter the building. However, Court Security Officers are authorized to ask if an individual has read and answered any of the screening questions in the affirmative, and to deny entry to persons who cannot satisfactorily answer these screening questions and who therefore pose a significant risk of spreading the Coronavirus to the public. Face coverings or masks can include homemade or factory-made fabric masks as well as scarves or bandanas that cover the mouth and nose with two layers of fabric. Wearing a clear plastic face shield without a face covering or mask does not satisfy the above requirements. Attorneys who appear for court and grand jury proceedings shall wear a mask and a face shield when not speaking during court proceedings. Attorneys may lower their mask when speaking during court proceedings. Persons who are not wearing a face covering or mask at entry and who decline a Court provided mask will be denied entry unless they state that a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability prevents them from safely wearing a mask. Medical documentation is not required. Those making such a declaration will not be required to wear a mask and will instead be offered a clear plastic face shield. Persons who decline this face shield will be asked to step outside to telephone the office to be visited to discuss options for their entry to the Courthouse. If arrangements cannot be made, the Court Security Officers are authorized to deny entry. Individuals with disabilities who foresee an issue with these procedures are advised to contact the Clerk’s Office for the appropriate Courthouse to make arrangements in advance.

Per General Order 08-20, all persons over two years of age seeking entry to, or occupying, the Seattle and Tacoma Courthouses are required to wear a face covering or mask at all times unless otherwise directed by the court or a courthouse official. The face covering must completely conceal the wearer’s nose and mouth at all times. Any visitor seeking entry to the courthouse without a face covering or mask will be provided a mask by the court. If the court is unable to provide a mask for any reason, the visitor will be asked to contact by telephone the office to be visited to explore alternatives to entering the courthouse. The Court Security Officers shall enforce this order and deny entry to those individuals not wearing a face covering or mask. Other General Orders addressing particular COVID-19 issues have not expired and need not be modified at this time.

The Clerk’s Office windows are closed to the public. Staff are still available by phone during regular business hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The court’s electronic filing system continues to be available 24/7 and may be used by anyone who has registered with the court.

All non-case related events scheduled to be held prior to August 3, 2020 in the District’s courthouses are postponed pending further order of the Court.

Until further notice the Wheeling, Martinsburg, and Elkins Courthouses, as well as all related offices are temporarily closed to allow for sanitation and deep cleaning following possible COVID-19 exposures.

Under the CARES Act review, the court authorized judges to use video conferencing and, when video conferencing is not available, telephonic conferencing for various criminal case events listed in the order. Authorization under the Act is extended until November 26, 2021.

All persons entering any courthouse in the district is required to wear a face-covering, shield, or mask. The presiding judge in any courtroom may authorize the removal of the mask if and when necessary to facilitate communication during the proceedings. Persons may be denied entry to the courthouse the have symptoms, have been diagnosed with or in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, have been asked to self-quarantine, or has recently visited high-risk areas.

Order 3.20-MC-21 restricts courthouse access to visitors who have symptoms, have been diagnosed with or in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, have been asked to self-quarantine, or have recently visited China, South Korea, Japan, Italy, or Iran.

Effective May 3, 2021, civil and criminal petit jury selections may commence before any district or magistrate judge in the Southern District of West Virginia, provided that efforts are made to minimize the number of jurors who are reporting to a courthouse, and that social distancing and other safety protocols are followed. Grand jury meetings currently scheduled between March 5, 2021 and August 31, 2021 will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in light of the circumstances in the relevant community as well as the trial schedule in place at each point of holding court.

All other civil and criminal proceedings may be conducted in-person at the discretion of the presiding judicial officer, provided that the in-person proceeding is conducted in a manner that complies with social distancing and other safety guidelines.

Under General Order #4, the court authorized judges to use video conferencing, and when video conferencing is not available, telephonic conferencing for various criminal case events listed in the order. The CARES Act is extended for an additional 90 days until March 8, 2022.

The courthouse is closed to the public and only those who are scheduled to appear can enter. The court also restricts courthouse access and does not allow anyone who has symptoms, has been diagnosed with or in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, has been asked to self-quarantine, or has recently visited high-risk areas. Drop boxes have been provided should a party wish to file print copies with the Clerk’s office. All persons seeking entry to the courthouses must wear a face covering.

Per General Order 13, all persons seeking entry to the United States Courthouses in Charleston, Huntington, Beckley, or Bluefield must wear a face covering or mask (“mask”), regardless of vaccination status.

Effective Monday, August 16, 2021, all persons seeking entry to or occupying the Milwaukee courthouse and the Green Bay court space— including, but not limited to, court staff, security personnel, vendors, contractors, litigants, attorneys, jurors and other members of the public—must wear a face covering or mask in the public areas of the building, regardless of their vaccination status.

The CARES Act is extended through March 7, 2022.

General Order 2020-18 allows portions of prior general orders regarding the COVID-19 virus public emergency to lapse, modifies others and extends others. Counsel should read the order in its entirety.

All civil and criminal jury trials, all petty offense (CVB) hearings and all criminal hearings where the defendant does not consent to proceed by videoconference or telephone conference will LAPSE. Starting July 2, 2020, judges may resume scheduling such trials and hearings in person.

The CARES Act order authorizes judges, with the defendants consent, to use video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonable available for a list of specific events noted in the order. CARES Act authorization is extended through September 11, 2020.

Filings will continue to be processed in civil and criminal cases via CM-ECF system and by mail. Drop boxes have been placed in the courthouse lobby for paper documents.

All members of the public, vaccinated or not, who enter the courthouse must wear masks or suitable facial coverings in public area of the courthouse.

The courthouse will continue to be closed to the general public through January 31 2021. The court will continue to conduct as many proceedings as possible by telephone and video conference.

All civil and criminal jury trials have been suspended through January 31, 2021. Specific orders will be issued in affected civil cases, but pretrial deadlines remain in place. Litigants can request relief from a specific deadlines with a motion explaining the circumstances that warrant relief.

Administrative Order 363 authorizes the use of video conferencing, or telephone conferencing if video conferencing is not reasonably available, for all events listed in Section 15002 of the CARES Act. The application of the CARES Act is extended through June 21, 2021.

All persons seeking entry to the courthouses must wear a face covering.

In-person hearings are scheduled to resume on June 1, 2020. Masks are required to be worn by all counsel, parties, witnesses, and members of the public. During trials and hearings all parties are to maintain social distance. Additional guidance can be found in the May 20 Notice to the Bar.

All civil trials schedule prior to June 1, 2020 are vacated, along with any final pretrial conference and associated deadlines. All other civil case deadlines, unassociated with the trial date and final pretrial conference remains in place subject to modification by the Court upon request of counsel.

Under the CARES Act review, the court authorized judges to use video conferencing, and when video conferencing is not available, telephonic conferencing for various criminal case events listed in the order. The application of the CARES Act is extended until March 2, 2022.

All in-person hearings scheduled in civil cases between March 20 and May 31 are to be held by telephone, video conference or other reliable electronic means.

Restrictions on visitors asked to self-quarantine, who have been diagnosed with or in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, if they have fevers cough, or shortness of breath, or if they have recently traveled to high-risk areas.

Per General Order 21-04, absent specific court authorization all persons entering a Federal District of Wyoming courthouse(s) located in areas of substantial or high transmission, as designated and defined by the CDC shall be required to wear a face mask, whether fully vaccinated or not, while in any public areas of these facilities, including courtrooms. Restrictions and requirements for Judicial Chambers shall be left to the discretion of the Judicial Officer, subject to the requirements imposed by any Federal Agency managing the common areas.

Back to top

United States Courts of Appeals

Due to inclement weather, First Circuit Court of Appeals offices will be closed on Friday, January 7, 2022 for all in-person activity. For emergency matters, please contact the Clerk’s office at 617-748-9057.

Oral arguments will be held by video conference during the court’s January 2022 session. Given the continued public health restrictions and limits on public access to the courthouse, the court will also provide live audio access to such arguments. Public access to live audio of the court’s January 2022 court session will be available at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiq_Kg0zEPrjMFK_s-KP5_g/. After the end of each day's arguments, audio recordings of each argument will be available on the court's website. Counsel scheduled for argument during the July 2021 court session will be receiving additional information and instructions from the Clerk’s Office.

The court is temporarily suspending the requirement in Local Rule 25.0(b)(1)(c) that appendices to briefs must be filed only in paper form. For the duration of this suspension, all parties who are represented by counsel shall tender the appendix electronically, through the court's electronic filing system. After the appendix is accepted for filing, the court may set a deadline for paper copies of the appendix. No other rules, including those relating to the form or substance of an appendix, service requirements, or the handling of appendices to be filed under seal, are impacted by this suspension.

Until further notice, the clerk’s office will not accept in-person case filings at its intake window. Those filing a paper document at the Moakley Courthouse should use the drop-box located on the first floor by the main entrance.

Per the Court’s website, beginning January 4, 2022, oral arguments will be conducted remotely, by Zoom or teleconference. The Court’s public counter in Room 150 of the Clerk’s Office will be closed to the public until further notice. Paper filings may be made by ordinary mail to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, Clerk’s Office, Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse, 40 Foley Square, New York, NY 10007. In the alternative, papers may be deposited in the Night Box located inside the entrance to the Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse. Pro se litigants may continue to file electronic documents using prosecases@ca2.uscourt.gov. For new cases in which a docketing notice has not yet issued, opening papers may be emailed to newcases@ca2.uscourts.gov.

Individuals who arrive at the courthouse for argument must meet the health screening requirements and entrance protocols specified at the entrance to the building. All persons must wear a mask at all times in the building, including in the courtroom and during oral argument. Until the COVID-19 infection rate declines, the courtroom will be closed to the public and others who may wish to attend argument. The Court will continue to offer a livestream audio of the oral arguments. Click here for the link to the livestream audio.

On October 1, 2020, the Court will begin using a new electronic case management system, called the Appellate Case Management System (ACMS) for the filing of Petitions for Review from Board of Immigration Appeals decisions. All new cases must be filed in ACMS. Cases commenced with the filing of a Petition for Review prior to October 1, 2020 will continue to be processed in CM/ECF until further notice. All filings in a case commenced prior to October 1, 2020 must be made in CM/ECF.

Effective December 1, 2021, all persons entering the Powell Courthouse Complex must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before entry. Attorneys and visitors must submit proof of vaccinations in accordance with instructions from the Clerk’s office. To conduct other business at the Courthouse, advance arrangements must be made by calling the Clerk’s Office at 804-916-2700. All persons must conduct a temperature self-screening at the building entrance. By entering the building, all persons certify that:

  • They do not have symptoms of COVID-19.
  • They are not subject to isolation under CDC guidelines following a diagnosis of COVID-19 or probable COVID-19.
  • They are not subject to quarantine under CDC guidelines following close contact with someone with COVID-19 or following international travel.

All persons, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear masks and maintain 6 feet of physical distance whenever possible in public and shared common areas and adhere to chambers and office standards within private areas.

Furthermore, no more than two people may appear for argument on behalf of each side. To preserve social distancing in the courtrooms, interested members of the public and press will access oral arguments through a live audio stream available from the link on the court’s argument calendar. A digital audio recording will also be available following argument at Listen to Oral Arguments.

Per the Order dated June 22, the August 18 order is vacated. Effective July 6, 2021, the Court will resume enforcing the Local Rules regarding the number of paper copies to be submitted to the Court.

The Court is now accepting Original Proceedings through CM/ECF. Appellate ECF filers may electronically submit Petitions for Review, Petitions for Writ of Mandamus, Applications and Cross Applications for Enforcement of an Agency Order, Second or Successive §2254 or §2255 Petitions, and Petitions for Permission to Appeal. Supporting documents along with related motions may also be submitted as part of the process.

Oral arguments will continue, pending further order of the court. Parties may file a motion requesting appearance by audio conference. The majority of the Clerk’s Office will be working remotely, and there will be a reduced number of staff in the office on a daily basis. The 3-day time limits for requesting a verbal extension under 3rd Cir. L.A.R. 31.4 shall be relaxed until the Clerk’s office resumes normal operations. The filing of paper copies of briefs and appendices is deferred pending further direction of the Court.

Oral arguments continue as scheduled. The merits panel will determine the manner of argument. The Court is currently holding in person argument and using Zoom for Government and audioconferencing for remote appearances. Parties may file a motion requesting to appear remotely.

The Clerk’s Office is accepting case filings from non-electronic filers by email. Counsel and parties who are registered CM/ECF filers should continue to submit case filings through the Court’s CM/ECF system

Counsel and pro se litigants who need to file a new original proceeding, such as a Petition for Review, a Petition for Writ of Mandamus or Prohibition, or a Motion for Leave to File a Second or Successive Habeas Petition may send the documents in PDF format to the Clerk for filing via email addressed to emergency_motions@ca3.uscourts.gov.

Litigants who cannot file through the Court’s CM/ECF system may also submit documents for filing in PDF format by email addressed to emergency_motions@ca3.uscourts.gov.