Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge issues new administrative order requiring Judiciary staff to be vaccinated or submit weekly negative COVID-19 tests to report to work

ANNPOLIS, Md.  – In response to the ongoing challenge of COVID-19 infections caused by the Delta variant, Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera issued today, August 20, 2021, an emergency order requiring Maryland Judiciary personnel to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 by September 27, 2021, or, until vaccinated, submit weekly tests proving their negative status in order to report to work. The order is consistent with other state judiciary orders and with local, state, and federal orders being issued to combat the surge in transmission rates and to protect Judiciary personnel and the public.

“These are necessary measures to safeguard judges, employees, and court visitors from the spread of the COVID-19 virus and more contagious Delta variant to the greatest extent possible,” said Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera. “More than half of Judiciary  personnel already have been vaccinated, and I am confident that all personnel understand the importance of maintaining safe workplaces to protect staff and the people we serve.”

New Administrative Order:

Administrative Order on COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Judiciary Personnel in Courthouses and Judicial Branch Facilities

The Maryland Judiciary entered Phase V of its five-phased COVID-19 progressive resumption of operations plan on Monday, April 26, 2021. At this time, all courts in Maryland are fully operational with the resumption of jury trials in criminal and civil cases in circuit courts statewide, consistent with the COVID-19 emergency administrative orders and health measures.