MAR 4 2022 PM3:23
FILED - USDC - BPT - CT
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT
INRE: GENERAL ORDER
COURT OPERATIONS UNDER THE EXIGENT
CIRCUMSTANCES CREATED BY COVID-19
WHEREAS, the Court continues to review its operations to identify measures that will help
protect court employees and the public from the COVID-19 virus, while at the same time
preserving its core mission of serving the public through the fair and impartial administration of
justice;
WHERAS, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC") has recently
updated its guidance concerning the wearing of masks to reduce the spread of COVID-19 (see
https ://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html);
WHEREAS, the CDC's new guidance advises the adoption of mask-wearing practices
based on the level of prevalence of COVID-19 in the community;
WHEREAS, according to current data published by the CDC, as well as data from other
reputable sources, the District of Connecticut is currently experiencing a low level of COVID-19
(see https ://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nt..:ov/your-health/covid-by-county.html; see also
http :// W\-VW .covitladnow .org/us/connccti cut-ct/);
WHEREAS, when the COVID-19 level in the community is low, the CDC advises that the
wearing of masks should be based on each individual's personal preference, informed by that
individual's personal level of risk;
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, effective immediately and until further order of the Court,
that:
1) This order supersedes the General Order entered on August 2, 2021 .
2) In courthouse hallways, individuals are not required to wear masks. Judges may require
individuals to wear a mask when in their chambers.
3) In courtrooms and jury assembly and deliberation rooms, individuals are not required
to wear masks unless the presiding judge orders otherwise. It may be necessary during
jury trials and other large gatherings for individual judges to impose mask orders
because such proceedings often require individuals to sit together in close quarters for
long periods of time.
4) Any person who wishes to wear a mask in any location in the courthouse may do so.
This order is based on the current levels of prevalence of the COVID-19 virus in the communities
served by the Court. Should there be a significant change in the prevalence levels in those
communities, the Court may revisit this order.
SO ORDERED:
.
Dated: r\,\oirtLt 'f•..202'2..
Bridgeport, CT ~tfft~l~
Chief United State District Judge
