Maryland Courts To Require Masks At All Times Starting Monday

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Following the release of new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera on Friday ordered a universal masking mandate, regardless of vaccination status, in all courtrooms and judicial facilities.

The new order takes effect Monday and applies to everyone except children age 2 and younger.

"As the new CDC protocols include wearing masks indoors outside of the home, regardless of vaccination status, in counties of 'substantial' or 'high' transmission levels, the Judiciary is adhering to these measures to ensure that we continue to protect, as much as possible, the health and safety of all who use the courts and court services, as well as the judges and Judiciary personnel," Barbera said in a statement.

After a lengthy shutdown to the COVID-19 pandemic, Maryland courts returned to resumed jury trials in April. In June, Barbera eased restrictions on masks in the courtroom for people who are fully vaccinated, complying with CDC guidance at that time.