Yesterday, the Federal Circuit announced that the court no longer requires masks to be worn in the National Courts Building and connected buildings. Chief Judge Moore, along with the Chief Judge of the Court of Federal Claims, issued a joint order that, among other things, rescinds their most recent order regarding health protocols. Here is the full text of yesterday’s order.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the United States Court of Federal Claims find that there is a need to modify its health and safety protocols.
On behalf of both courts, we find pursuant to 28 U.S.C.§ 2071(e) that there is an immediate need for this Order altering the rules of both courts, effective November 10, 2022, 12:01 a.m. (Eastern).
IT IS ORDERED THAT:
(1) Administrative Order No. 2022-04 (Sep. 9, 2022) is rescinded effective November 10, 2022, 12:01 a.m. (Eastern), with the National Courts Building continuing existing operations already in place concerning public access.
(2) The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the United States Court of Federal Claims may continue to implement health and safety protocols, procedures, practices, or policies to minimize the possibility of viral transmission, as reflected in posted signs or placards, and/or information posted on the courts’ public websites.
(3) All individuals entering the National Courts Building shall be required to comply with any protocols, procedures, practices, or policies implemented pursuant to this Order.
(4) Court staff and security personnel are authorized to restrict the entry of or to direct the removal of any individuals who are not in compliance with posted regulations issued pursuant to this Order.
(5) The Circuit Executive and Clerk of Court of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the Clerk of Court for the United States Court of Federal Claims are directed to provide public notice of this Order and to take any necessary and proper actions to implement these restrictions.