3/18/2020
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA
IN THE MATTER OF:
RESTRICTIONS ON VISITORS
TO POFF FEDERAL BUILDING Standing Order No. 2020-6
The United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia, in consultation with
the Poff Federal Building Facilities Security Committee, adopts Standing Order 2020-6 as an
addendum to Standing Order 2020-4, concerning Restrictions on Visitors to Courthouses.
This Standing Order specifically addresses the public health crisis associated with
COVID-19 in the unique circumstance of the multi-tenant Poff Federal Building in Roanoke.
Effective March 19, 2020, it is ORDERED that public access to the Poff Federal
Building is restricted as follows:
1. Only members of the public having business with the United States District Court
are permitted to enter the Poff Federal Building.
2. Persons seeking to file documents with the District Court Clerk’s Office are directed to
advise the Court Security Officers of their intention. Court Security Officers are to
security screen any proposed filings and direct the filer to remain in the building foyer,
where they will be met by Clerk’s Office staff. Upon notification by the Court Security
Officer, Clerk’s Office staff are directed to come to the building lobby, receive any filings
and provide appropriate receipts. Any other requests of the Clerk’s Office may be
addressed by Clerk’s Office staff in the building foyer. Should that limited access be
insufficient, the Clerk, or her designee, or any judge of the court may permit additional
access as necessary and appropriate. For all other inquiries, please contact the Clerk’s
Office at (540) 857-5100.
3. Persons seeking access to the United States Probation Office are directed to advise the
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Court Security Officer of their intention. Upon notification, Probation staff will address
any requests in the building foyer or adjacent conference rooms. Should that limited
access be insufficient, the Chief Probation Officer, or her designee, or any judge of the
court may permit additional access as necessary and appropriate. For all other inquiries,
please contact the Probation Office at (540) 857-5180.
4. Employees and staff performing essential government functions may continue to access
the Poff Federal Building.
5. Members of the bar, clients, witnesses, and law enforcement officers are permitted to
attend any initial criminal proceeding or other hearing exempted from Standing Order
2020-5 concerning Court Operations Under the Exigent Circumstances Created by
COVID-19.
6. This Order is intended to supplement, and not supersede, Standing Order 2020-4 as
regards the Poff Federal Building. The restrictions on access contained in Standing Order
2020-4 remain in place.
7. The United States Marshal, his Deputies, and the Court Security Officers shall deny entry
to anyone attempting to enter the Poff Federal Building in violation of this Standing
Order and Standing Order 2020-4.
8. These temporary restrictions will remain in place until it is determined to be safe to
remove them.
9. This Order shall be updated as further public health guidance is received.
Enter this 18th day of March 2020.
Digitally signed by Michael F. Urbanski
DN: cn=Michael F. Urbanski, o=Western District of Virginia,
Michael F. Urbanski ou=United States District Court,
[email protected], c=US
___________________________
Date: 2020.03.18 14:52:29 -04'00'
Michael F. Urbanski
Chief United States District Judge
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