In Annapolis, Maryland, Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera of the Maryland Court of Appeals has issued five new administrative orders regarding COVID-19 health measures in courthouses and judicial branch facilities. These changes, effective June 1, 2021, align with updated protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The new orders rescind previous directives and allow fully vaccinated judicial employees, judges, and court visitors over the age of two to enter courthouses without face masks. However, an administrative judge or state court administrator may require masks in certain settings.
"Recent changes to the CDC guidance for those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 allows the Maryland Judiciary to move forward consistent with these protocols," stated Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera. She noted that vaccination rates have increased and infection rates have decreased across Maryland. The judiciary will continue monitoring state and local conditions to protect court users and personnel.
For jurisdictions needing additional health measures, circuit court and district court administrative judges must decide together on maintaining restrictions in their courthouses.
The orders also mandate that unvaccinated individuals wear face masks and maintain social distancing. In court proceedings, a presiding judge may require unvaccinated litigants or witnesses to remove their mask in favor of a provided face shield. Social "pods" or cohorts can sit or stand together but must maintain distance from others if unvaccinated.
Additionally, starting June 1, 2021, the filing date for any mail-in court documents will be determined by the date they are stamped.