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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
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WESTERN DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON
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GENERAL ORDER 12-22
11 IN RE: INDOOR MASK REQUIREMENT
DUE TO COVID-19
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16 This General Order amends General 07-22 with regard to face masks. In recent months,
17 the average daily number of individuals testing positive for COVID-19 has rapidly decreased in
18 the Western District of Washington. COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths have fallen
19 significantly. On September 8, 2022, Washington Governor Jay Inslee announced the rescission
20 of all remaining COVID-19 emergency proclamations and state of emergency, effective October
21 31, 2022. Given all of the above, the Court ORDERS that the procedures of General Order 07-22
22 are modified as follows:
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GENERAL ORDER 12-22 - 1
1 • Requiring the use of face masks inside individual courtrooms is subject to the
2 discretion of the presiding judge.
3 • Face masks will no longer be required for any person entering the courthouse or
4 while in public spaces of the courthouse. However, all individuals are free to
5 wear masks based on personal preference, informed by a personal risk
6 assessment. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with
7 COVID-19 should wear a mask. Any witness choosing to wear a mask while
8 testifying on the stand may be required to remove their mask at the discretion of
9 the presiding judge. Any other person choosing to wear a mask and speaking in
10 the courtroom may be asked by the judge to temporarily remove their mask if
11 their words cannot be understood by the court reporter.
12 • All trials may proceed in-person unless otherwise indicated at the discretion of the
13 presiding judge. Trials currently scheduled to be conducted virtually via
14 Zoom.gov are not affected by this Order.
15 • All other courtroom use for civil or criminal matters may proceed at the discretion
16 of the presiding judge.
17 • The procedures authorized under the CARES Act as set forth in General Order
18 10-22 are unaffected by this order.
19 The Court sincerely hopes that this downward trend in COVID-19 cases and
20 hospitalizations will continue. However, the last several years have taught us to be adaptable to
21 changing circumstances. The Court may reinstate COVID-19 safety measures, including the
22 requirement of face masks or the temporary suspension of in-court proceedings if federal or local
23 public health guidance indicates that such is necessary to protect the public.
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GENERAL ORDER 12-22 - 2
1 IT IS SO ORDERED.
2 Dated this 3rd day of November, 2022.
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4 A
David G. Estudillo
5 Chief United States District Judge
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GENERAL ORDER 12-22 - 3
