IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE
July 16, 2020
IN RE:
USE OF FACE MASK /COVERINGS : REVISED
IN PUBLIC AREAS OF THE DISTRICT : STANDING ORDER
AND BANKRUPTCY COURTS :
WHEREAS, public health authorities have advised, and continue to advise, public and private agencies to continue to take necessary and appropriate precautions to reduce the possibility of exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and slow the spread of the disease;
WHEREAS, as a result of COVID-19, there are currently in place certain directives from the Governor of the State of Delaware relative to face coverings;
WHEREAS, as a public institution committed to the sound administration of equal justice under law, the Court is essential and remains open with limited staff;
WHEREAS, this Court will continue to take reasonable and prudent actions to further that mission consistent with public health needs and the health needs of its staff, members of the public, and others that enter the District and Bankruptcy Court facilities.
WHEREAS, the District and Bankruptcy Courts have in place certain screening requirements to ensure the health and safety of court personnel and all others entering or doing business therein;
WHEREAS, the District and Bankruptcy Courts issued a Standing Order on April 28, 2020 In Re: Use of Face Mask/Coverings in Public Areas of the District and Bankruptcy Courts;
NOW, THEREFORE, in order to continue to further public health and safety, the health and safety of Court personnel, counsel, litigants, other case participants, vendors, contractors, and the general public, and in the spirit of the guidance issued by Governor Carney to all
Delawareans, and to clarify and extend the prior order regarding face mask/coverings, the prior policy is amended to provide as follows (amendment marked in bold italics):
1. Court staff must wear a mask or face covering when interacting with the public, and when in the common or public areas of the Court (lobby, corridors, elevators, restrooms, etc.). Facial masks/coverings need not be worn in private work areas provided there is sufficient physical distancing from others, subject to the approval of an employee’s supervisor (who may require wearing a facial mask or covering even when social distancing is maintained).
2. The provisions of paragraph 1 above also apply to employees of any other tenant of the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building, 844 N. King Street.
3. Visitors to the District or Bankruptcy Court – including vendors, contractors, litigants, attorneys, and other members of the public – are required to wear a mask or face covering when interacting with Court staff and in the common or public areas of Court facilities. Presiding judges will determine if and when facial masks/coverings may be removed in the courtroom.
4. This Order shall remain in effect until amended or vacated by the Court.
SO ORDERED:
/s/ Leonard P. Stark
July 16, 2020 Leonard P. Stark
Wilmington, Delaware Chief, United States District Judge
