Updates on mask wearing in Maryland courthouses, judicial facilities announced

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Due to modified COVID-19 protocols from the CDC, Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera has issued revised administrative orders strengthening health measures in courthouses and judicial branch facilities.

Effective Monday, August 9th, masks will be required for everyone with the exception of children aged 2 and under, regardless of vaccination status, in state courthouses and judicial facilities located in any Maryland county or Baltimore City where there is a COVID-19 community transmission rating by the CDC of “substantial” or high” on any day after August 6th. In addition, masks will be required in these facilities for a 14-day stabilization period after these transmission levels return to “moderate” or “low”.

“Due to the recent updates to the CDC guidance on mask wearing and other health and safety precautions, the Maryland Judiciary is revising COVID-19 health measures to protect those who visit or work in the state courts and judicial facilities to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant in the community,” said Chief Judge Barbera. “As the new CDC protocols include wearing masks indoors outside of the home, regardless of vaccination status, in counties of “substantial” or “high” transmission levels, the Judiciary is adhering to these measures to ensure that we continue to protect, as much as possible, the health and safety of all who use the courts and court services, as well as the judges and Judiciary personnel.”