Dear Clients:

We hope this email finds you healthy and safe. Bruce, Prudence, and the Avery & Upton administrative staff continue to work from both inside and outside the office. We continue to stay busy with in-person emergency court hearings, remote hearings and mediations. As always, feel free to reach out to Bruce, Prudence, Jenn, Debbie and/or KK if you need anything. They can be reached via email or telephone.

The Montgomery County Circuit Court remains in Phase III of the reopening plan (20 July 2020 – 30 August 2020) with Phase IV tentatively set to commence on 31 August 2020. The court continues to look toward complete reopening on 5 October 2020. On 31 July 2020, we received an Administrative Order from The Honorable Mary Ellen Barbera, Chief Judge, clarifying COVID-19 Health Measures in all courthouses and judicial facilities throughout the State of Maryland. Due to inconsistent interpretations and compliance of Judge Barbera’s prior Order, as of 31 July 2020, effective immediately, and for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency period, the following protocols remain in place in all courthouses and judicial facilities in the State of Maryland:

1. Masks or face coverings shall cover both nose and mouth completely and shall be worn at all times, including court proceedings, by all judges, Judiciary personnel, and any other person more than two (2) years of age, except as noted:

a. Masks/face coverings may be lowered to eat, drink or to take oral or nasal medications, but shall be replaced upon completion of activity and only removed with appropriate social distancing in place (see #4).

b. As already noted, throughout courtroom proceedings, all participants shall wear masks/face coverings UNLESS, for good cause shown, the presiding Judge or Magistrate requires any participant, when speaking, to use a disposable mask or wear a personal barrier shield in lieu of a mask to ensure the participant may be heard, with due consideration given to social distancing (see #4).

c. Pertaining to Judiciary personnel, masks may be lowered when an occupant is alone in their single occupancy office and the door is closed. If someone enters the office, masks must be worn or in the alternative, if the occupant of office exits said office.

2. Instances in which the members of the public or personnel arrive at the courthouse or judicial facility without an adequate mask or face covering, they shall be provided with a disposable mask, if available, or given alternative means for remote access, if appropriate or possible.

3. Barriers, including clear personal barrier shields, are not substitutes for masks/face coverings and shall not fulfill the masking requirements outlined in #1.

4. Social distancing of minimally six (6) feet or more shall be maintained throughout courthouses and judicial facilities, including offices and courtrooms. The social distancing requirement will not be a substitute for the masking requirement.

5. Any person who does not comply with this Emergency Order shall be subject to removal from courthouse/judicial facility and subject to disciplinary action.

6. This Order shall be modified as appropriate.

We hope you all are well and please let us know if you need anything. Thank you.