Case 1:00-mc-00308 Document 155 Filed 11/03/23 Page 1 of 1
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF MARYLAND
IN RE: *
MASKING IN COURTROOM * MISC. NO. 00-308
*
*******
STANDING ORDER 2023-06
Since March 16, 2020, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, this Court has
issued several orders restricting who may enter the Courthouses, the manner in which civil and
criminal proceedings will be conducted, whether petit and grand juries may safely assemble, and
many other areas of court operations. In Standing Order 2022-05, this Court lifted many
restrictions and returned to full and (nearly) unrestricted operations, but continued to require the
wearing of masks for prospective jurors while participating in voir dire in the courtroom and,
subject to the discretion of the presiding judge, requiring that all or some of the court
participants, jurors, and/or spectators be required to wear a mask while in the courtroom. In light
of the endemic nature of COVID-19, the Court finds it appropriate to lift the last remaining
restriction on its operations. Accordingly, Standing Order 2022-05 is hereby VACATED. The
wearing of masks by court participants, sitting and prospective jurors, and/or spectators in
individual proceedings shall be optional unless otherwise directed by the presiding judge.
IT IS SO ORDERED this 3rd day of November, 2023.
/s/ JAMES K. BREDAR
James K. Bredar, Chief Judge
United States District Court
