IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY
STANDING ORDER 2020-13
IN RE: USE OF FACE COVERINGS/MASKS: DUE TO COVID-19
WHEREAS, the President of the United States has declared a National Emergency, and the Governor of the State of New Jersey has declared a State of Emergency and a Public Health Emergency throughout the State, in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic;
WHEREAS, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public health authorities have advised taking precautions to reduce the possibility of exposure to COVID-19 and to slow the spread of the disease;
WHEREAS, in response to government policy, CDC guidelines and public health advancements, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey (“Court”) has adopted the District of New Jersey COVID-19 Recovery Guidelines (“Recovery Guidelines”), providing for a phased approach to reconstituting operations; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the CDC’s recommendation, based upon data on the spread of COVID-19, the Recovery Guidelines contain a Face Covering/Mask Protocol, mandating that employees wear a face covering or mask to cover their noses and mouths in community settings, in order to protect themselves and others nearby;
NOW, THEREFORE, in order to further public health and safety, and the health and safety of Court personnel, counsel, litigants, other case participants, jurors, security personnel and the general public, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, that all persons seeking entry to or occupying any Court facility in the District of New Jersey, including, but not limited to, Court staff, security personnel, vendors, contractors, litigants, attorneys, jurors and other members of the public, are required to wear a face covering or mask when in a community setting, including entering and exiting the courthouse, entering and exiting the Clerk’s Office, and in the jury assembly room, the central mailroom and indoor parking garages, as well as in all common areas, including, but not limited to, courtrooms, elevators, stairwells, hallways, and restrooms; and it is further
ORDERED that all persons shall engage in social distancing, which requires that individuals maintain a six-foot distance between each other; and it is further
ORDERED that in private office areas within the Court facilities, Court staff are permitted to remove their face coverings or masks during the workday while they are in a cubicle or private office, assuming social distancing guidelines are maintained; and it is further
ORDERED that any visitor seeking entry into a Court facility without a face covering or mask shall be delayed by the Court Security Officers, who will inquire as to the office the person is visiting and the purpose. The Court Security Officers or the visitor will then contact that office to determine whether the business can be handled without entry to the building; and it is further
ORDERED that the United States Marshal, his Deputies, and the Court Security Officers shall enforce this Order; and it is further
ORDERED that this Standing Order shall take effect as of the date of this Order and remain in place until further Order of the Court.
DATED: May 22, 2020
/s/ Hon. Freda L. Wilson
U.S. Chief District Judge
District of New Jersey