IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF GEORGIA
In Re: :
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COVID-19 REOPENING ENTRANCE :
REQUIREMENTS : AMENDED STANDING ORDER 2020-09
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STANDING ORDER
Essential in-person, non-jury court proceedings have resumed at the discretion of
the presiding judge. The President of the United States, Governor of Georgia, Center
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other public health authorities continue
to advise taking precautions to reduce the possibility of exposure to COVID-19 and to
slow the spread of the disease.
To protect public health, including the health of court staff, parties, court
participants, and all other building occupants, the Court hereby orders that:
1. The following persons shall not enter any courthouse or U.S. Probation Office
of the Middle District of Georgia without prior permission from the Chief Judge
or his designee:
a. Persons who have been diagnosed with, or had close contact with,
anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the previous
fourteen days; or
b. Persons who have been asked to self-quarantine by any healthcare
provider within the previous fourteen days; or
c. Persons who within the previous fourteen days have been on a cruise,
traveled outside of the United States, or traveled to any area that has
been declared in quarantine for COVID-19; or
d. Persons with any symptom of COVID-19 identified by the CDC,
including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, new loss of taste
or smell, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.
2. The clerk’s office is working remotely. All persons seeking in-person
assistance from the clerk’s office shall be provided with contact information so
alternate arrangements can be made.
3. Unless authorized by the presiding judge, in-person attendance at court
proceedings shall be limited to all counsel of record, criminal defendants, up
to six visitors per criminal defendant, case agents, victims, parties to civil
proceedings, and media representatives. If witnesses are anticipated,
counsel shall confer with the court in advance of the hearing. Remote access
information is available to the public in the event that socially distanced in-
person attendance is not possible.
4. The following procedures govern the use of masks or other face coverings:
a. Masks or other face coverings that cover the mouth and nose must be
worn by all persons in all public areas of court occupied space in the
Middle District of Georgia. Masks will be provided to entrants if
necessary.
b. Presiding judges shall establish the requirement for wearing masks for
court proceedings in their courtrooms.
c. Court staff may remove masks when in their individual offices when a
distance of six feet from others can be maintained.
5. Anyone denied entry due to these precautions, or anyone with a documented
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health condition that prevents the wearing of a mask or other face covering
will be provided with contact information to contact the relevant court or other
agency with whom they have business.
6. The United States Marshal, his deputies, and court security officers shall deny
entry to anyone attempting to enter in violation of this Order, and shall have
the authority to remove anyone from a courthouse or United States Probation
Office in the Middle District for failure to abide by this Order while in our
facilities.
7. Nothing in this order prevents hearings from being conducted remotely
pursuant to the CARES Act with the consent of the Defendant and approval of
the presiding judge.
SO ORDERED, this 13th day of August, 2020.
s/ Marc T. Treadwell
MARC T. TREADWELL
CHIEF UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
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