In response to updated COVID-19 guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera of the Maryland Court of Appeals has issued five revised administrative orders. These new measures, which will take effect on Monday, August 9, 2021, are designed to enhance health protocols in courthouses and judicial branch facilities across Maryland.
The revised orders stipulate that masks must be worn by everyone, except children aged two and under, regardless of vaccination status. This applies to state courthouses and judicial facilities in any Maryland county or Baltimore City with a CDC COVID-19 community transmission rating of "substantial" or "high" on any day after August 6, 2021. Additionally, if a location's transmission level returns to "moderate" or "low," masks will still be required for a fourteen-day stabilization period.
Chief Judge Barbera stated, “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.” She further emphasized that adhering to these new protocols is crucial for maintaining the health and safety of court users as well as judges and judiciary personnel.
It is important to note that the filing date for any court submission by mail remains unchanged since June 1, 2021; it continues to be determined by the date when the filing is stamped.