On November 11, 2020, the Court announced a reduction in phasing in response to worsening COVID-19 virus data, effective November 16, 2020. All in-person proceedings are suspended, and the Courthouses are closed to the public. On November 19, 2020, the Court extended the duration of these restrictions through January 15, 2021. On January 4, 2021, these restrictions were further extended through February 26, 2021.
On February 17, 2021, the Court announced its return to Phase Three of its Recovery Plan, effective March 1, 2021.
Although the Courthouses are currently closed to the public, all persons seeking to enter must wear a face covering or mask at all times and maintain at least six feet of physical distance from others while in the building. Visitors should also expect to be screened for flu-like symptoms, including possibly fever tested, and may be denied entry if exhibiting such symptoms. Self-represented litigants may deposit and date-stamp papers in drop boxes at the entrance to each Courthouse between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please be advised that the Clerk's Office no longer accepts cash payments as of October 22, 2020.
Please click here for a message from Chief Judge James K. Bredar for prospective jurors outlining safety measures in place at both courthouses in the District of Maryland.
A complete list of all COVID-19 related orders currently in effect is found below. This page will be updated as additional changes are made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Standing Order 2021-04: re: Court Operations Under the Exigent Circumstances Created by COVID-19 (February 17, 2021)
- Standing Order 2021-03: re Grand Jury Operations (January 15, 2021)
- Standing Order 2021-01 re: Extension of Reduced Operations Under Exigent Circumstances Created by COVID-19 (January 4, 2021)
- Standing Order 2020-23 re: Grand Jury Operations (December 9, 2020)
- Standing Order 2020-22 re: Video Teleconferencing Re-authorization for Criminal Proceedings Under CARES Act (December 8, 2020)
- Standing Order 2020-21 re: Extension of Reduced Operations Under Exigent Circumstances Created by COVID-19 (November 19, 2020)
- Standing Order 2020-20 re: Court Operations Under the Exigent Circumstances Created by COVID-19 (November 11, 2020)
- COVID-19 Order re: POSTPONING and CONTINUING Central Violations Bureau Proceedings Through November 30, 2020 (October 27, 2020)
- Standing Order 2020-19 re: Modifications to Jury Summons Procedures in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic (October 22, 2020)
- COVID-19 Order re: Cash Transactions (October 22, 2020)
- COVID-19 Order re: Phase Three (September 23, 2020)
- Standing Order 2020-17 re: Video Teleconferencing Re-authorization for Criminal Proceedings Under CARES Act (September 16, 2020)
- Third Amended Standing Order 2020-10 re: Use of Face Coverings or Masks in Courthouses (September 4, 2020)
- Amended Standing Order 2020-16 re: Limitations on Spectators in Courtroom (September 2, 2020)
- COVID-19 Order re: POSTPONING and CONTINUING Central Violations Bureau Proceedings Through October 30, 2020 (August 18, 2020)
- Amended Standing Order 2020-15 re: Video Teleconferencing Re-authorization for Criminal Proceedings Under CARES Act (June 24, 2020)
- COVID-19 Order re: Courtesy Copies (June 18, 2020)
- COVID-19 Order re: Phase Two (June 17, 2020)
- Standing Order 2020-11 re: Court Operations Under the Exigent Circumstances Created by COVID-19 (May 22, 2020)
- COVID-19 Order re: Phase One (May 22, 2020)
- COVID-19 Order re: POSTPONING and CONTINUING Central Violations Bureau Proceedings Through August 31, 2020 (May 22, 2020)
- COVID-19 Order re: Discovery in Civil Cases (April 10, 2020)
- Standing Order 2020-07 re: Court Operations Under the Exigent Circumstances Created by COVID-19 (April 10, 2020)
- Standing Order 2020-06 re: Video Teleconferencing for Criminal Proceedings Under CARES Act (March 29, 2020)
- COVID-19 Order re: Prohibiting Recording of Court Proceedings Conducted by Remote Audio or Video Conferencing (March 27, 2020)
- COVID-19 Order re: CJA Vouchers (March 25, 2020)
- Standing Order 2020-05 re: Court Operations Under the Exigent Circumstances Created by COVID-19 (March 20, 2020)
- Second Amended Standing Order 2020-03 re: Court Operations Under the Exigent Circumstances Created by COVID-19 (March 14, 2020)