Use of Face Coverings in Court Facilities

Pursuant to Order of the Chief Judge No. 20-078, the United States District Court for the Central District of California announces the use of face coverings in the United States Courthouses and Probation and Pretrial Services Offices in the District as a result of the COVID-19 virus pandemic.

Effective immediately:

• All individuals, except those who are exempt, seeking entry to, or occupying, the United States Courthouses or Probation and Pretrial Services Offices in the Central District of California must wear face coverings in all spaces.

• The face covering must completely conceal the individual’s nose and mouth at all times.

• Individuals who are exempt include: children younger than 2 years of age; anyone who has trouble breathing; anyone who is unable to remove the face covering without assistance; and anyone who is unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition.

• Court employees who are alone in a non-public, private office or workspace, which permits at least six feet of physical distance from others, may temporarily remove their face coverings.

Anyone violating these protocols will be denied entry by the United States Marshal, his Deputies, or the Court Security Officers.

Individuals who are denied entry will be asked to contact the office or courtroom to be visited to explore alternatives to entering the building.

These protocols do not apply to the courtrooms and chambers of individual judges. Individual judges will determine the face covering policy for their respective courtrooms and chambers.

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Kiry K. Gray
District Court Executive/Clerk of Court
June 1, 2020