UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA
AMENDED COVID-19
GENERAL ORDER NO. 20-1
September 28, 2020
REGARDING
COURTHOUSE VISITATION AND ACCESS RESTRICTIONS
To combat the spread of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), given the severity of
risks posed to the public, Court staff, and other agencies located in the Hale Boggs Federal
Building and considering the public health recommendations from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), the State of Louisiana, and the City of New Orleans;
The undersigned Chief Judge for United States District Court for the Eastern District of
Louisiana hereby amends COVID-19 General Order No. 20-1, effective immediately and until this
order is rescinded:
The following persons may not enter the U.S. Courthouse in the Eastern District of
Louisiana or any offices occupied in the Hale Boggs Federal Building:
• Persons who have been advised to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital or health agency
within the last 14 days;
• Persons who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or told to presume they have COVID-
19 by a health professional within the last 14 days;
• Persons who have had contact in the last 14 days with anyone who has been diagnosed
with COVID-19 or told to presume they have COVID-19 by a health professional, unless
the diagnosis was more than 14 days ago and the person diagnosed has been symptom-free
for the past 72 hours;
• Persons who have had cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore
throat, loss of taste or smell, or extreme fatigue within the last 14 days, unless the symptoms
are attributable to another known condition;
• Persons who reside with someone who has had cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills,
muscle pain, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, or extreme fatigue within the last
14 days, unless the symptoms are attributable to another known condition;
• Persons who have returned from international travel, a cruise ship, river voyage or returned
from travel to a state that has a significant degree of community-wide spread of COVID-
19;
• Persons not wearing a mask or face covering over their nose and mouth unless they present
medical documentation stating that they are unable to wear a mask for health reasons; and
• Persons exhibiting a fever of 100.4 or higher, unless they can present medical
documentation that the symptom is attributable to a condition or diagnosis that is not
contagious or transmittable.
Anyone attempting to enter in violation of these protocols will be denied entry by a Court
Security Officer or the U.S. Marshals Service.
Anyone who has business in the U.S. Courthouse or offices occupied in the Hale Boggs
Federal Building but who cannot enter because of this order, should do the following:
• Persons who are represented by an attorney should contact their attorney;
• Attorneys, pro se litigants, or witnesses who are scheduled to appear in court before a judge
should contact the judge’s case manager directly (contact information can be found on the
Court’s website);
• Persons who are scheduled to meet with a Pretrial Services or Probation should contact the
Office of Probation and Pretrial at (504) 589-3200;
• Jurors should contact the Jury Department at (504) 589-7730;
• Employees reporting to work should contact their supervisor;
• Persons having business with any other agency housed in the Hale Boggs Federal Building
should contact that agency directly;
• For all other matters, please contact the Clerk’s Office at (504) 589-7600.
It is further ordered that while in the courthouse, all persons must comply with court and
security personnel instructions and the following rules:
1. Face Coverings: You must wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth in all public
areas of the courthouse (including hallways, public counters, elevators and courtrooms),
unless you are permitted to remove your mask by an authorized court staff member;
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2. Social Distancing: You must adhere to safe social distancing rules, by standing or sitting
at least six feet away from other individuals. You must abide by markings on floors and
benches indicating where you may stand or sit. If you are standing in line, you must keep
six feet away from the person in front of you and behind you, unless you are taking care of
a small child or assisting someone with special needs. Elevator and bathroom capacity will
be limited to one person at a time.
3. Instructional Signage: You must abide by all health and hygiene signage throughout the
courthouse, including signage regarding masks, social distancing, occupancy restrictions,
and hand washing.
Anyone who fails or refuses to abide by these rules will be required to leave the courthouse
immediately. Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should self-
quarantine and contact their healthcare provider immediately.
It is further ordered that a Court Security Officer or U.S. Marshal shall deny entry to
anyone attempting to enter in violation of these protocols or who fails to abide by the instructions
or rules contained herein.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
27th day of September, 2020.
New Orleans, Louisiana, this _______
__________________________________________
NANNETTE JOLIVETTE BROWN
CHIEF JUDGE
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA
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