Delaware courts reinstating mask mandate

DELAWARE – Starting next week, masks will once again be required in all Delaware court facilities.

The administrative order was signed today and will take effect on Monday, August 16th. This mask order will apply to all visitors to state judicial facilities and all judicial branch employees. The only exception will be in courtrooms when a participant in a court proceeding is speaking or for employees in their own offices or in a socially distant work area.

In addition, the administrative order mandates that starting on September 7th, any court employee who is not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must undergo weekly COVID testing. This is only for employees who have not provided proof of full vaccination; once proof of full vaccination is provided, weekly testing can be discontinued.

This policy change comes after Governor John Carney’s announcement that state employees and visitors to Delaware state facilities must wear masks indoors starting on August 16th, regardless of vaccination status. Carney also announced that additional requirements regarding vaccination and testing for state employees and others will be released in the coming days.

Delaware courts previously imposed a mask mandate at the start of the pandemic but that restriction was lifted for fully vaccinated individuals on July 1st. The Delaware Judicial Branch is continuing to operate normally at this time, though the Chief Justice has encouraged courts to continue to use remote proceedings when possible.