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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
WESTERN DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON
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In Re:
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9 NEW FACE MASK POLICY GENERAL ORDER NO. 11-21
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This General Order will address a change in Court policies given a significant increase in
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positive cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in this District.
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On July 27, 2021, the CDC issued a recommendation for everyone in areas of substantial
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16 or high transmission to wear a mask in public indoor places, even if they are fully vaccinated.
17 New data indicates that the Delta variant, the predominant strain of this virus in the United States,
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is transmissible among vaccinated individuals. In late July, eight Western Washington counties,
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including the counties where the courthouses of this district are located, issued a joint statement
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recommending masks in indoor public places. On August 10, 2021, Snohomish County
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22 announced a return to an indoor mask mandate for all individuals regardless of vaccinated status.
23 All available research continues to indicate that widely available vaccines provide
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significant protection against this disease. However, to slow the transmission of the virus and to
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reduce the serious risk of hospitalization and death for unvaccinated individuals, the Court hereby
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ORDERS the following:
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Beginning August 16, 2021, all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, must
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2 wear a face mask in public and common areas of the courthouses at all times.
3 All individuals must wear a face mask in the courtroom unless directed to remove their
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mask by the presiding judge. Individuals who are participating in Court proceedings will be
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advised to remove their mask to speak. Witnesses will be asked to remove their mask while they
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are on the witness stand.
8 Masks must cover the nose and mouth. All individuals are to observe social distancing
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in courtroom proceedings. Children under the age of two are not required to wear face masks.
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Individuals who cannot wear a face mask for health reasons but who otherwise must appear in
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13 Court are advised to contact the chambers of the judge presiding over the matter they are
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Other than this change to mask-wearing, the policies set forth in General Order No.
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10-21 remain in effect.
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The Court will revisit these procedures prior to October 1, 2021.
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19 Dated this 13th day of August, 2021.
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RICARDO S. MARTINEZ
23 CHIEF UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
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