U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida Chief Judge Timothy Corrigan amended the COVID-19 rules regarding federal courthouses July 30 to require mandatory health screening before entry and use of face masks while inside the building.
The health screening will prohibit entry if a person has any of several possible symptoms of the coronavirus, including but not limited to cough, shortness of breath, fever and congestion or a runny nose.
Entry also will be denied if the visitor is awaiting results of a COVID-19 test administered because of possible infection; if the visitor is under instructions to self-isolate or quarantine; or if the visitor has had close contact in the past 14 days with someone with a positive diagnosis or who is awaiting results of a COVID-19 test.
Anyone more than 4 years old seeking to enter a courthouse, including employees and regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask that covers their mouth, nose and chin at all times while inside the building.
The order specifies that masks should be made of two or three layers of breathable fabric that is tightly woven so it does not let light pass through when held up to a light source.
A judge may provide different guidance within their courtroom or chambers.
In addition, visitors who are not fully vaccinated should maintain a 6-foot distance from other people when possible and elevator capacity limits may be in place, the order states.
The Bryan Simpson U.S. Courthouse is Downtown at 300 N Hogan St,
Visit www.flmd.uscourts.gov for more information.