Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge issues an Administrative Order Clarifying
COVID-19 Health Measures in Courthouses and Judicial Branch Facilities

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Today, Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera issued an Administrative Order Clarifying COVID-19 Health Measures in Courthouses and Judicial Branch Facilities that now includes additional requirements regarding the wearing of face masks inside courthouses and judicial branch facilities.

“As we move forward, with caution and care, into Phase III of the phased resumption of operations, we must take the measures that have proven to be effective in mitigating the risk of exposure to COVID-19,” said Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera. “Those who come to or work in Maryland’s courthouses deserve no less, even as we do the essential work of providing the people of Maryland with greater access to justice.”

On Monday, July 20, courts across the state moved into Phase III of the Judiciary’s five-phase reopening plan. Clerks’ offices in the District Court of Maryland and the circuit courts throughout the state are now open and the courts are hearing additional matters.

The Maryland Judiciary plans to move to Phase IV on August 31, 2020, as outlined in the current administrative order, subject to COVID-19 conditions. Phase IV will mark the continued expansion of court operations to include non-jury trials and other contested matters in the District Court of Maryland and the circuit courts.

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