The Maryland Judiciary has announced the extension of Phase III operations through March 6, 2022, due to the ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases and high community transmission rates. Despite this extension, clerks' offices across the state will remain open to the public. The Court of Appeals of Maryland and Court of Special Appeals continue to operate fully, with proceedings held either in person or remotely at the discretion of the chief judge.
During Phase III, both District Court and circuit courts will conduct specific case types either remotely or in person; however, jury trials will not resume until Phase V is reached. Jury trials already underway will continue until completed, while those scheduled through March 4 will be rescheduled. Individuals currently serving as jurors or summoned for jury duty are advised to contact their local circuit court for guidance.
Chief Judge Joseph M. Getty emphasized that extending Phase III aims to reduce COVID-19 transmission within court facilities: “This amended order to extend our operations in Phase III is made with the intent to reduce the community transmission of COVID-19 within the courts.” He further stated that "the health and safety of Maryland litigants, judges, court employees, and visitors remains a top priority."
The February 2022 Uniform Bar Examination in Maryland is set to proceed as planned in person. An administrative order detailing these measures is available on the Maryland Judiciary’s website at mdcourts.gov/coronavirusorders.
The website also provides information on case types being heard during Phase III. These include criminal, traffic, civil matters, domestic violence cases, peace orders, Extreme Risk Protective Orders, and landlord-tenant disputes in District Courts. Circuit Courts will handle civil, criminal, family law cases as well as Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) and juvenile matters.
Court visitors and employees must adhere to safety protocols including wearing face masks, undergoing no-contact temperature checks and health screenings, and following social distancing guidelines.